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stone herbshipping container houseshoesshotside effectssilent killersimple weight lossskate-oilskinsleep qualitysmall gardenssmartphone technologysmokingsocial mediasoilsolarsolar energysolar lanternsolsticesorrowsoulmatesspecial educationspecialty saltsspinachspiritspirulinasport supplementsspring cleaningsprouted grainssquid inksquid ink pastastaminasteviastormsstrawberriesstress reliefstress-reductionsummer eatingsunsun screensunburn preventionsungazingsunshine vitaminsuperbugssuperfood smoothiessuperfruitsustainable developmentsweet potatoessweetenersweetgreenswiss chardsymptomstart cherry juiceteastechnologyteeth whiteningtelomerestequilathankfulnessthe pilltherapeutic bathsthermosiphoningthirdhand smokethoughtsthunder god vinethyroidcancertilapiatipstofutomatotonictooth losstoxic foodstoxic-free swimming poolstoxicitytoxinstradetransdermal nutrientstransform lifetreetree nutstrusttruthtsutuberculosistumorsunderground greenhouseuniversityurban areasvaccination dangersvegetarian recipevending machinesvigorvirus sheddingvisionvitamin Avitamin Dvitamin watervitaminswaste injectionwater purificationwater therapywater treatmentwealthweather modificationweed queenweight-loss holiday foodwhite teawhite teethwhooping coughwild-foodswinter blueswinter squashworking classworryyamsyear-round produceyellow feveryogayoga posesyouthingzenzero wasteThriveLivinghttp://www.thrive-living.net/noreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)Blogger486125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-2617113081433908105Tue, 03 Mar 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-03-03T00:30:00.683-07:00A Simple Act of GratitudedepressiongratitudehappinessJohn KralikthankfulnessThanksgivingA grateful heart<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IlSPh83y8DE/VPN0uSK6PtI/AAAAAAAAKJg/8qo_huUb7iw/s1600/640px-Thank_you_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IlSPh83y8DE/VPN0uSK6PtI/AAAAAAAAKJg/8qo_huUb7iw/s1600/640px-Thank_you_001.jpg" height="372" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>"The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts your perception to such an extent that it changes the world you see." —Robert Holden<br /><br />(As seen in Parade - January 1, 2012) By&nbsp;John Kralik<br /><br /><i>I’ve received quite a few nice notes and letters from people who saw my piece in Parade. That piece was necessarily much shortened, because of space limitations, so I thought I’d share an earlier draft with those who have taken the time to come to this page. Here goes.</i><br /><br />“Knowing that you had to work on Thanksgiving, of all days, I thought I’d express my gratitude that you have taken the time and made the effort to learn my name and greet me each day in a way that makes me feel like a person instead of a number. &nbsp;It’s a small thing, but on any given day, it can make all the difference. &nbsp;Thank you!”<br /><br />I sent this thank-you note to a barista at Starbucks who had brightened my day, and many other days before and after, by remembering my name with a smile every morning. &nbsp;It was one of the special things for which I was grateful at Thanksgiving of 2008, the year in which I had vowed to write a thank you note every day of the year. It nearly brought her to tears.<br /><a name='more'></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1561703095/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1561703095&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=UYP6MFUL5FJWO4AD" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1561703095&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1561703095" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Strangely, the idea for this year-long act of gratitude had come to me on a day when I was desperately looking for something, anything, for which to be thankful, New Year’s day of 2008. &nbsp;On that day, I went for a walk up the Echo Mountain trail in Pasadena, California, where I lived. &nbsp;At 52, I owned a law practice, but after working hard at it all year I found I had earned nothing. &nbsp;Actually, having lost money, I earned less than nothing. &nbsp;As a result, I could not afford to pay Christmas bonuses to my employees, a failing that greatly embarrassed me. &nbsp;My firm was losing its lease, and I could not afford a new one. After a divorce, I was living in a cheap apartment instead of my own home. Even the hopeful aspects of my life had just deflated with sudden and despondent developments: &nbsp;A woman I had been dating ended our relationship suddenly before Christmas, and a million dollar jury verdict that would have bailed me out was nullified by a judge’s ruling.<br /><br />In the mountains, I heard a voice I did not recognize. Wherever it came from, it did not seem to come from me. It told me I needed to learn to be grateful for the things I had, rather than to focus on the things I wanted, or the many things I felt I had lost.<br /><br />It took a little more than a year, but by the time I had written the 365 thank you notes I had set out to write, my life had been transformed in ways I could not have expected. As I saw how my children, friends, coworkers, acquaintances, and even baristas had blessed my life and as I acknowledged their impact by writing to them, my blessings seemed to multiply. When I was grateful for clients paying their bills, they paid faster. &nbsp;When I thanked lawyers for referring clients to me, they referred more.<br /><br />The benefits were not just economic. &nbsp;As my barista later told a reporter who came to ask about the note I wrote to her, “So when I saw this, I realized that what I do really counts.” &nbsp;By showing others how their lives had meaning in mine, I found them reflecting back to me that my life also had meaning in theirs. I gained an overall sense of peace, a belief that my life was, and had been, a good one. &nbsp;The change did not happen overnight. &nbsp;My note to my barista was thank you note 260.<br /><br />Almost without intending to do so, I started to change my life in ways that would make me more worthy of receiving thank you notes myself. &nbsp;For example, having been thankful for my office manager’s constancy in our business crises, I was reminded she had lost a son to leukemia. I began to run marathons to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which gave me an opportunity to write thank you notes to those who donated to my runs. &nbsp;And those notes helped me finish writing 365 notes. &nbsp;(I’ve now done three of these marathons.)<br /><br />Awakened by these experiences, I decided to write a book, &nbsp;“365 Thank Yous,” which was released in a new trade paperback edition called “A Simple Act of Gratitude” just after Christmas. &nbsp;Because the book is personal, and frank about some of the problems I had, I became concerned about “going public” in this way, and considered not publishing the book at all. &nbsp;Thanks to a trusted friend who encouraged me, I decided to go on. “You have to publish this,” he said. &nbsp;This is bigger than you. It’s not just about you anymore.”<br /><br />From a reader:<br /><br />“After hearing about your 365 Thank Yous experiment, I felt inspired to follow in your footsteps, and take on a similar project of writing Thank You notes to the people who have had a positive impact in my life. I was especially intrigued at the idea of envisioning people going to their mailbox and finding a mysterious envelope, and wondering what the heck it might be…and then opening it, to find out that some person from their past (who they may not even recall) still thinks about them today, and feels grateful that their lives had crossed paths.”<br /><br />A few days after the book was released I found something new among the junk mail and bills in my mailbox, my first handwritten thank you note from a reader. &nbsp;The next week, there were more. &nbsp;Then the publisher sent a whole box of them.<br /><br />One of the first letters I received told me of how the signals of gratitude I sent could ripple farther out. &nbsp;She told me she had chosen to write the first of her 365 thank you notes to me. &nbsp;“I am starting with you so that you know, in my mind, you have pushed a domino tile and from it will branch many more tiles that will grow in all directions and that will allow us all to win at this game of life.” I felt humbled by these letters, realizing again that the message that was spreading, like the voice that I heard on the mountain, was not my own. It was something bigger.<br /><br />So many of my readers have inspired me. A woman living in a nursing home because a stroke had paralyzed her “on my R side” told me that she praises “the Lord I was born left handed &amp; Ive taken it upon myself to write Birthday &amp; Thank you cards to All the Staff…” &nbsp;A woman whose husband had been paralyzed for 20 years in a car accident wrote of how she had been “thankful that he was not killed.” Her children had “grown into “very empathetic” people “with a very personal perspective on individual abilities.” &nbsp;Although she never thought she would have been able to say it, she was writing to tell me “I am now grateful for our experience and the depth and meaning it has brought to our lives.”<br /><br />My readers told me stories of how important people were thanked before it was too late. &nbsp;A woman in Omaha thanked a priest who changed her life 22 years ago, and her letter arrived to comfort him a few days before he died. &nbsp;When she went back to thank a teacher, “She saw us and the flowers, put her head on the desk and cried she was so happy. &nbsp;She said she had been a teacher for 23 years and no one had ever thanked her.” &nbsp;I am grateful to hear of such moments, though I know I am not the one responsible for them.<br /><br />When I write to my readers now, I try to express to them my hope that they will find, as I did, that the love and gratitude they express to others will return to them someday. Having just written my 860th note, I can say that I learn in new ways all the time that gratitude is a pathway to the peace that we all seek in life, the peace which passes our understanding. I still feel calmed in my dark or stressful times by writing “thank you” patiently and neatly to those who have helped and comforted me.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401310710/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1401310710&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=3NHU23E46P6B7FJS" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1401310710&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1401310710" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />After my book came out, my father became one of the many who began to write their own 365 notes. &nbsp;Now 87, he was a surgeon for over fifty years. &nbsp;He has discipline and focus far beyond mine, and will soon complete his first 365 notes. &nbsp;His collection of notes is more beautiful than mine, and his journey has reconnected him with a lifetime of friends, colleagues, high school classmates and patients who have lived as long as he has by following his advice. &nbsp;Having written a book, I suppose I am now the writer, but his notes have an uncluttered elegance that training cannot imitate. For example, his notes thank those who have journeyed with him for as many as “eighty years of treasured friendship.” Writing to a new friend (yes he’s making new friends) who had taken him and my Mom out to dinner, he described the evening as “presidential.” &nbsp;Reading these notes, I found a curious phrase recurring, as when my Dad thanked my niece Megan for sending flowers: “They brought us implausible joy.” &nbsp; My current favorite of my Dad’s thank you notes is the one he wrote to the doctor who performed his recent cataract surgery:<br />“Thank you for my new eyes. &nbsp;The stars are brighter. &nbsp;The ocean waves are whiter. &nbsp;I can see clearly for miles up and down the shore. &nbsp;I can see the cargo ships on the horizon coming in and out of the river.”<br /><br />Even when you’re eighty-seven, perhaps particularly then, being thankful can bring you “implausible joy.”<br /><br />My life today is generally a happy one. Both my circumstances and outlook are much improved. &nbsp;But as we all must know, moments of despair are inevitable. &nbsp;Just last week, the friend whose encouragement gave me the courage to publish the book suddenly left the world without warning or goodbye. On my desk lies a thank you note he wrote to me last year to tell me I was “the most generous person” and another in which he assured me that the voice I heard in the mountain on New Year’s Day in 2008 had “confirmed the possibility that one could change one’s entire life for the better.” I pray that the note I wrote to say that his support for my writing was a gift I could never “fully measure or repay” did not go unread or unremembered.<br /><br />At times like these I return to the pattern that brought me out of darkness four years ago. As I sit as my desk, I see that there is a pile of notes from readers to be answered, and, on a legal pad, a scribbled list of kindnesses and gifts yet unacknowledged. &nbsp;I think about the many to whom I owe ungiven thanks, realizing how their struggles are so often much greater then mine. &nbsp;I take out my pen and what remains of my old stationery, and begin to write. &nbsp;Every note includes the words “Thank You.”<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">How to write thank you notes</span></b><br /><br /><b>1. &nbsp;A Grateful Heart.</b><br /><br />Of course, at the beginning of my journey, in January 2008, I did not have a grateful heart. &nbsp; So many things were going wrong that I felt I had nothing for which to be grateful. &nbsp;Yet starting with thank you notes for the Christmas presents I had received a few weeks before, and, note-by-note, I became more able to see the good in people around me.<br /><br />Try to say one true thing about why you appreciate the gift you were given. &nbsp;If there is still room in the short note, say one sincere thing about the person who gave it, and what that person means to you. Don’t forget to say the words “thank you.”<br /><br /><b>2. &nbsp;Recalling Turning Points.</b><br /><br />After thanking all the people Emily post recommends, I began to look beyond my immediate day-to-day circumstances for persons to whom I needed to write a thank-you note. &nbsp;For example, I began to look back, and to write notes to the friends who rescued me from self-destructive behavior in my youth, to the doctor whose operation saved me from a life of pain, to the doctor who told me to stop drinking.<br /><br />Inevitably life has its periodic rough times. &nbsp;By going back and thanking these people, I connected with better times and renewed the friendships forged then. This enabled me to take a longer, more balance view of the difficulties I experienced in the near term. &nbsp;Even at eighty seven, perhaps especially at eighty seven as my father has found, you will be amazed at those who likewise remember you with gratitude<br /><br /><b>3. &nbsp;The Basics: Of Pen and Paper</b><br /><br />Handwrite your notes, in pen. Write neatly enough that someone else can read it. Perhaps because it is becoming somewhat of a lost art, handwritten notes feel special, and real, as if the person who wrote it is there with you. &nbsp;Many who received my notes saved them, as if they were a precious gift. &nbsp;When something is typed by a machine, people always wonder whether it comes from you, or from the machine.<br /><br />Most of my notes were written on very simple off-white note cards, which had only my name printed on the cover. &nbsp;This had two helpful effects. &nbsp;First, with my name printed on the cover, people who could not read my signature knew the note was not from a madman. &nbsp;Second, because it was not a pre-printed thank-you note, the words “thank you” had to actually be written by me, over and over, and the person could be sure it was my gratitude being expressed, not that of the greeting card company. I felt the words as I was writing them, and it helped to change my point of view.<br /><br /><br />A version of "A Grateful Heart" appeared in Parade Magazine. It is republished here with permission. John Kralik's book, A Simple Act of Gratitude was published by Hyperion books, and is available on-line and in bookstores. For more see <a href="http://www.365thankyounotes.com./" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">365thankyounotes.com. </span></a><br /><br />Republished from<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i>&nbsp;<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="http://www.dailygood.org/story/511/a-grateful-heart-john-kralik/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Daily Good.org</span></a>&nbsp; </span>&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></i></span><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px;">Help support this site by making your Amazon purchases through the affiliate links found above. Same great deals. NO COST to you. Thank you!</span></blockquote><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></i></span></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/03/a-grateful-heart-365-thank-you-notes.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-7953228998624424916Mon, 02 Mar 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-03-02T21:04:05.851-07:00#hashtag lunchbagfoodhomelesshungerpovertyHow one #Hashtag created a movement to stamp out hunger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hashtaglunchbag.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/BRU4hN0CYAAAh9j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://hashtaglunchbag.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/BRU4hN0CYAAAh9j.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>(NBC News) Hashtag Lunchbag, a nonprofit that began with a few brown-bag lunches for the homeless on Skid Row, has spread to 100 cities and five continents.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=10,0,0,0" height="346" id="msnbc1b631a" width="592"><param name="movie" value="http://www.nbcnews.com/id/32545640" /><param name="FlashVars" value="launch=56879235&amp;width=592&amp;height=346" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><embed name="msnbc1b631a" src="http://www.nbcnews.com/id/32545640" width="592" height="346" FlashVars="launch=56879235&amp;width=592&amp;height=346" allowscriptaccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object></div><div style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center; width: 592px;"><div style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Visit NBCNews.com for <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; color: #5799DB !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">breaking news</a>, <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; color: #5799DB !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">world news</a>, and <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/business" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; color: #5799DB !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">news about the economy</a></div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Learn more about Hashtag Lunchbag and how to become involved:</span></div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ml-vnpXTWuI?rel=0" width="640"></iframe></div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/03/how-one-hashtag-created-movement-to-stamp-out-hunger.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-4543278972931089418Fri, 27 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-27T00:30:01.843-07:00eco designeco-friendlyEglooEgloo heats your room without electricity for 10 cents a day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.indiegogo.com/file_attachments/1074849/files/20141205163949-_MG_7134.png?1417826389" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://images.indiegogo.com/file_attachments/1074849/files/20141205163949-_MG_7134.png?1417826389" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Can you heat your room for just 10 cents a day? Egloo can. Egloo is a clever little heater that harnesses candle power to heat a room without wasting electricity. Egloo works by concentrating the heat from the flame of a few candles inside a terracotta dome, radiating warmth into a room even after the candles are blown out. The concept was developed by Marco Zagaria, a student at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, and right now, he is looking for funding for the brilliant little heater. The project is being funded through Indiegogo where <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/egloo-candle-powered-heater" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">you can get in on the project </span></a>and start heating your office, dorm or bedroom without using electricity. <br /><a name='more'></a><br />Article source: <span style="color: #b45f06;">http://inhabitat.com/egloo-heats-your-room-without-electricity-for-10-cents-a-day</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-ewxblBOLfI?rel=0" width="640"></iframe></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yyHBl-HEaps?rel=0" width="640"></iframe></div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/egloo-heats-your-room-without.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-5023954532875084752Thu, 26 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-26T00:30:01.938-07:00Daily GoodgratitudeGreater GoodhappinessRobert Emmons6 habits of highly grateful people<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Thank_you_map_wa-syk.jpg/640px-Thank_you_map_wa-syk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Thank_you_map_wa-syk.jpg/640px-Thank_you_map_wa-syk.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />By <a href="http://www.dailygood.org/search.php?op=auth&amp;name=Jeremy%20Adam%20Smith" target="_blank">Jeremy Adam Smith</a><br /><br />(<a href="http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_habits_of_highly_grateful_people" target="_blank">Greater Good)</a> I’m terrible at gratitude.<br /><br />How bad am I? I’m so bad at gratitude that most days, I don’t notice the sunlight on the leaves of the Berkeley oaks as I ride my bike down the street. I forget to be thankful for the guy who hand-brews that delicious cup of coffee I drink mid-way through every weekday morning. I don’t even know the dude’s name!<br /><br />I usually take for granted that I have legs to walk on, eyes to see with, arms I can use to hug my son. I forget my son! Well, I don’t actually forget about him, at least as a physical presence; I generally remember to pick him up from school and feed him dinner. But as I face the quotidian slings and arrows of parenthood, I forget all the time how much he’s changed my life for the better.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Gratitude (and its sibling, appreciation) is the mental tool we use to remind ourselves of the good stuff. It’s a lens that helps us to see the things that don’t make it onto our lists of problems to be solved. It’s a spotlight that we shine on the people who give us the good things in life. It’s a bright red paintbrush we apply to otherwise-invisible blessings, like clean streets or health or enough food to eat.<br /><br />Gratitude doesn’t make problems and threats disappear. We can lose jobs, we can be attacked on the street, we can get sick. I’ve experienced all of those things. I remember those harrowing times at unexpected moments: My heart beats faster, my throat constricts. My body wants to hit something or run away, one or the other. But there’s nothing to hit, nowhere to run. The threats are indeed real, but at that moment, they exist only in memory or imagination. I am the threat; it is me who is wearing myself out with worry.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1890151556/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1890151556&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=PFW6PNU6333XROZW" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1890151556&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" height="200" width="176" /></a>That’s when I need to turn on the gratitude. If I do that enough, suggests the psychological research, gratitude might just become a habit. What will that mean for me? It means, says the research, that I increase my chances of psychologically surviving hard times, that I stand a chance to be happier in the good times. I’m not ignoring the threats; I’m appreciating the resources and people that might help me face those threats.<br /><br />If you’re already one of those highly grateful people, stop reading this essay—you don’t need it. Instead you should read Amie Gordon’s <span style="color: #e69138;"><a href="http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_ways_giving_thanks_can_backfire" target="_blank">“Five Ways Giving Thanks Can Backfire.”</a> </span>But if you’re more like me, then here are some tips for how you and I can become one of those fantastically grateful people.<br /><br /><b>1. Once in a while, they think about death and loss</b><br /><br />Didn’t see that one coming, did you? I’m not just being perverse—contemplating endings really does make you more grateful for the life you currently have, according to several studies.<br /><br />For example, when Araceli Friasa and colleagues asked people to visualize their own deaths, their gratitude measurably increased. Similarly, when Minkyung Koo and colleagues asked people to envision the sudden disappearance of their romantic partners from their lives, they became more grateful to their partners. The same goes for imagining that some positive event, like a job promotion, never happened.<br /><br />This isn’t just theoretical: When you find yourself taking a good thing for granted, try giving it up for a little while. Researchers Jordi Quoidbach and Elizabeth Dunn had 55 people eat a piece of chocolate—and then the researchers told some of those people to resist chocolate for a week and others to binge on chocolate if they wanted. They left a third group to their own devices.<br /><br />Guess who ended up happiest, according to self-reports? The people who abstained from chocolate. And who were the least happy? The people who binged. That’s the power of gratitude!<br /><br /><b>2. They take the time to smell the roses</b><br /><br />And they also smell the coffee, the bread baking in the oven, the aroma of a new car—whatever gives them pleasure.<br /><br />Loyola University psychologist Fred Bryant finds that savoring positive experiences makes them stickier in your brain, and increases their benefits to your psyche—and the key, he argues, is expressing gratitude for the experience. That’s one of the ways appreciation and gratitude go hand in hand.<br /><br />You might also consider adding some little ritual to how you experience the pleasures of the body: A study published this year in Psychological Science finds that rituals like prayer or even just shaking a sugar packet “make people pay more attention to food, and paying attention makes food taste better,” as Emily Nauman reports in her Greater Good article about the research.<br /><br />This brand of mindfulness makes intuitive sense—but how does it work with the first habit above?<br /><br />Well, we humans are astoundingly adaptive creatures, and we will adapt even to the good things. When we do, their subjective value starts to drop; we start to take them for granted. That’s the point at which we might give them up for a while—be it chocolate, sex, or even something like sunlight—and then take the time to really savor them when we allow them back into our lives.<br /><br />That goes for people, too, and that goes back to the first habit: If you’re taking someone for granted, take a step back—and imagine your life without them. Then try savoring their presence, just like you would a rose. Or a new car. Whatever! The point is, absence may just make the heart grow grateful.<br /><br /><b>3. They take the good things as gifts, not birthrights</b><br /><b><br /></b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118131290/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1118131290&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=TPU5WNRMPYWTUSVI" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1118131290&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" height="200" width="139" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1118131290" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <br />What’s the opposite of gratitude? Entitlement—the attitude that people owe you something just because you’re so very special.<br /><br />“In all its manifestations, a preoccupation with the self can cause us to forget our benefits and our benefactors or to feel that we are owed things from others and therefore have no reason to feel thankful,” writes Robert Emmons, co-director of the GGSC’s Gratitude project. “Counting blessings will be ineffective because grievances will always outnumber gifts.”<br /><br />The antidote to entitlement, argues Emmons, is to see that we did not create ourselves—we were created, if not by evolution, then by God; or if not by God, then by our parents. Likewise, we are never truly self-sufficient. Humans need other people to grow our food and heal our injuries; we need love, and for that we need family, partners, friends, and pets.<br /><br />“Seeing with grateful eyes requires that we see the web of interconnection in which we alternate between being givers and receivers,” writes Emmons. “The humble person says that life is a gift to be grateful for, not a right to be claimed.”<br /><br /><b>4. They’re grateful to people, not just things</b><br /><br />At the start of this piece, I mentioned gratitude for sunlight and trees. That’s great for me—and it may have good effects, like leading me to think about my impact on the environment—but the trees just don’t care. Likewise, the sun doesn’t know I exist; that big ball of flaming gas isn’t even aware of its own existence, as far as we know. My gratitude doesn’t make it burn any brighter.<br /><br />That’s not true of people—people will glow in gratitude. Saying thanks to my son might make him happier and it can strengthen our emotional bond. Thanking the guy who makes my coffee can strengthen social bonds—in part by deepening our understanding of how we’re interconnected with other people.<br /><br />My colleague Emiliana Simon-Thomas, the GGSC’s science director and another co-director of our Expanding Gratitude project, puts it this way:<br /><br />Experiences that heighten meaningful connections with others—like noticing how another person has helped you, acknowledging the effort it took, and savoring how you benefited from it—engage biological systems for trust and affection, alongside circuits for pleasure and reward. This provides a synergistic and enduring boost to the positive experience. Saying ‘thank you’ to a person, your brain registers that something good has happened and that you are more richly enmeshed in a meaningful social community.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008AWLN24/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B008AWLN24&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=67FHMB7ROKNC2ERF" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B008AWLN24&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" height="200" width="124" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B008AWLN24" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><b>5. They mention the pancakes</b><br /><br />Grateful people are habitually specific. They don’t say, “I love you because you’re just so wonderfully wonderful, you!” Instead, the really skilled grateful person will say: “I love you for the pancakes you make when you see I’m hungry and the way you massage my feet after work even when you’re really tired and how you give me hugs when I’m sad so that I’ll feel better!”<br /><br />The reason for this is pretty simple: It makes the expression of gratitude feel more authentic, for it reveals that the thanker was genuinely paying attention and isn’t just going through the motions. The richest thank you’s will acknowledge intentions (“the pancakes you make when you see I’m hungry”) and costs (“you massage my feet after work even when you’re really tired”), and they’ll describe the value of benefits received (“you give me hugs when I’m sad so that I’ll feel better”).<br /><br />When Amie Gordon and colleagues studied gratitude in couples, they found that spouses signal grateful feelings through more caring and attentive behavior. They ask clarifying questions; they respond to trouble with hugs and to good news with smiles. “These gestures,” Gordon writes, “can have profound effects: Participants who were better listeners during those conversations in the lab had partners who reported feeling more appreciated by them.”<br /><br />Remember: Gratitude thrives on specificity!<br /><br /><b>6. They thank outside the box</b><br /><br />But let’s get real: Pancakes, massages, hugs? Boring! Most of my examples so far are easy and clichéd. But here’s who the really tough-minded grateful person thanks: the boyfriend who dumped her, the homeless person who asked for change, the boss who laid him off.<br /><br />We’re graduating from Basic to Advanced Gratitude, so pay attention. And since I myself am still working on Basic, I’ll turn once again to Dr. Emmons for guidance: “It’s easy to feel grateful for the good things. No one ‘feels’ grateful that he or she has lost a job or a home or good health or has taken a devastating hit on his or her retirement portfolio.”<br /><br />In such moments, he says, gratitude becomes a critical cognitive process—a way of thinking about the world that can help us turn disaster into a stepping stone. If we’re willing and able to look, he argues, we can find a reason to feel grateful even to people who have harmed us. We can thank that boyfriend for being brave enough to end a relationship that wasn’t working; the homeless person for reminding us of our advantages and vulnerability; the boss, for forcing us to face new challenges.<br /><br />“Life is suffering. No amount of positive thinking exercises will change this truth,” writes Emmons in his Greater Good article “How Gratitude Can Help You Through Hard Times.” He continues:<br /><br />So telling people simply to buck up, count their blessings, and remember how much they still have to be grateful for can certainly do much harm. Processing a life experience through a grateful lens does not mean denying negativity. It is not a form of superficial happiology. Instead, it means realizing the power you have to transform an obstacle into an opportunity. It means reframing a loss into a potential gain, recasting negativity into positive channels for gratitude.<br /><br />That’s what truly, fantastically grateful people do. Can you?<br /><br />For more reasons to practice gratitude, check out this infographic created by <i>Here’s My Chance.</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/images/uploads/GratefulInfographic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/images/uploads/GratefulInfographic.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Article source:<span style="color: #b45f06;">&nbsp;</span><a href="http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_habits_of_highly_grateful_people"><span style="color: #b45f06;">http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_habits_of_highly_grateful_people</span></a></div><i><br /></i></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/6-habits-of-highly-grateful-people.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-3516185477247868705Wed, 25 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-25T00:30:02.703-07:00Ayurvedafood typessattvic eatingCultivate vibrant health and a clear mind with the wisdom of Ayurveda<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMuV-r3hiAU/UjLleSEqF9I/AAAAAAAAFqM/Zwyo9IAp81o/s1600/lavendersunshine-543421.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMuV-r3hiAU/UjLleSEqF9I/AAAAAAAAFqM/Zwyo9IAp81o/s1600/lavendersunshine-543421.jpeg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The ancient yogis of India recognized long ago that "we are what we eat" and devised a system of guidance to promote the most harmonious state of mind and body. The term "sattva" is the central guiding principle behind a diet which cultivates a sense of love, connection and peace. The foundation of sattva is the idea of non-harming - namely, vegetarianism where food is naturally grown, free of harmful pesticides, chemicals, hormones, irradiation and, in our modern day, GMOs. Meals prepared and enjoyed with love and awareness are part of a sattvic way of life too. The rewards of adhering to such a philosophy are stable, loving, relaxed mental states and a healthy body. If you feel you need more healing balance in life and desire a happy, clear and peaceful mind, a sattvic orientation can help.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Three qualities</span></b><br /><br />The time-honored philosophy of Ayurveda believes that all energy has three states: sattva (purity), rajas (change, passion, activity) and tamas (lethargy, darkness). In "Peace through a Sattvic Diet," an analogy is given to demonstrate this process:<br /><br />" . . . on an apple tree, some of the fruit is ripe (sattvic), some ripening (rajastic) and some overripe (tamasic). But no matter which quality prevails, an Element of each of the other two will always be present as well. Most of an individual apple will be ripe, but part will be rotten, even if the naked eye cannot see it, and part will be in the process of changing from one state to the other."<br /><br />As far as the diet is concerned, each state is represented in the following ways:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1492942634/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1492942634&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=4VXWPEUBUJZELTGS" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1492942634&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" height="200" width="160" /></a><b>Tamasic -</b> Foods that create dullness, inertia and darkness fall under this category - junk food is a prime example. Offering very little nourishment, these foods promote disease and create a mind filled with anger, greed and jealousy. Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, alcohol and drugs, along with overly processed, stale and hard to digest foods, are included in this realm. Tobacco, onions, garlic, artificial sweeteners, margarine, white flour and sugar, as well as microwaved, fried and fermented foods, are considered tamasic as well. Foods prepared in anger or unbalanced emotional states, and rushed or distracted eating, are part of this category too.<br /><br /><b>Rajastic -</b> When we need to be active in the world, a combination of sattvic and rajastic is a good fit. Salty, dry, sour, bitter and hot foods are in this category. Examples include sharp spices, stimulants (including coffee and tea), fish, eggs, meat and chocolate. Eating quickly is also considered rajastic. Consuming rajastic foods in excess will trigger strong emotions and an unbalanced mind, which will eventually cause harm to physical health.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060929103/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0060929103&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=GQR2DAMOOMMRJASI" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=0060929103&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" height="200" width="163" /></a><b>Sattvic -</b> Foods which encourage equilibrium and peace are deemed sattvic in nature. Think nutrient dense<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0060929103" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> vegetarian foods like organic nuts, seeds, oily fruits, whole grains and vegetables (except onions and garlic). It is important all food is free of modern toxins such as herbicides, chemical fertilizers, hormones, pesticides, additives and GMOs. Likewise, processed or irradiated food are off limits. Criteria for sattvic food is simple: food grown organically in fertile, healthy soil and minimally processed.<br /><br />Composed of light, easily digestible foods, a sattvic diet gravitates towards nut and seed milk, whole grains, fresh fruit, cheese, sprouted nuts and seeds, honey and herbal teas. Sattvic spices include asafetida, cardamom, fenugreek, coriander, basil, cumin, nutmeg, mint, basil fennel seed, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and cloves.<br /><br />Additionally, food prepared and consumed in a calm, loving and stable environment is important. Striving for an orientation of forgiveness, kindness, openness, generosity and truth also supports a sattvic way of being.<br /><br />Learn more:<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/045830_Ayurveda_sattvic_eating_food_types.html" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #b45f06;">www.naturalnews.com/045830_Ayurveda_sattvic_eating_food_types.html</span></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/-naturalnews-Ayurveda-sattvic-eating-food-types-health.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-5973229478240907481Tue, 24 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-24T00:30:00.962-07:00cervical cancercurcumindisease preventionHow to prevent and heal cervical cancer naturally<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JPU3W8FRRAU/VF7wlQzqfpI/AAAAAAAAJy0/0awkc-SS2Mc/s1600/turmeric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JPU3W8FRRAU/VF7wlQzqfpI/AAAAAAAAJy0/0awkc-SS2Mc/s1600/turmeric.jpg" height="372" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />While the CDC and other governmental agencies push the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in an attempt to curb future cervical cancer rates, a powerful natural option is readily available and free of dangerous side-effects -- in other words, diet. From a low glycemic index eating plan to raspberries and turmeric, food is a potent, cost-friendly and effective defense against cervical cancer. Below are four dietary habits to adopt that help ensure a healthy future.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Food-based solutions</span></b><br /><br />Choosing <b>low glycemic index foods</b> is one of the best ways to avoid cancer, including those of the cervix. Time and again, researchers have found that consuming easily digested, high glycemic index foods like sugar, refined carbohydrates and potatoes, substantially raises insulin levels and insulin growth factor (IGF) -- two hormones that increase tumor growth and progression. Focusing on foods that digest slowly (non-starchy vegetables and fruit, legumes and whole-grains) will keep blood glucose stable and insulin levels within healthy range.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TNW23U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B001TNW23U&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=PE7DZAUGZ77E25F5" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B001TNW23U&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" height="200" width="148" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001TNW23U" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Avoiding <b>excess protein</b> is another dietary practice that reduces the risk of cancer. Since the turn of the century, researchers have recognized one of the body's main defense against the proliferation of malignant cells is pancreatin -- a combination of protein digesting enzymes made by the pancreas. When an overabundance of protein is consumed, these enzymes are diverted from their important task of keeping cancerous cells in check. For optimum protection, it's recommended that at least 12 hours each day should be protein-free.<br /><br />Additionally, <b>ellagic acid</b> has been shown to induce cervical carcinoma cell death (apoptosis) within 72 hours, according to research published in <i>Cancer Letters:</i><br /><br />"We found that ellagic acid at a concentration of 105 M induced G1 arrest within 48 h, inhibited overall cell growth and induced apoptosis in CaSki [cervical carcinoma] cells after 72 h of treatment. Activation of the cdk inhibitory protein p21 by ellagic acid suggests a role for ellagic acid in cell cycle regulation of cancer cells."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055713UO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B0055713UO&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=S5ZEGPQOP6ADMBVM" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B0055713UO&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" height="200" width="106" /></a>Abundant in fruits and nuts like raspberries, strawberries, pomegranates, blackberries, pecans and walnuts,<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0055713UO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> this cancer-destroying compound is easy to enjoy on a daily basis.<br /><br /><b>Curcumin</b>, the bioactive component in turmeric, is also effective in fortifying against - as well as <img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0055713UO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> healing - cervical cancer. A study in <i>Molecular Cellular Biochemistry</i> discovered that curcumin extract counteracts proliferation and encourages apoptosis in HPV-positive cells. The team adds, "[curcumin] is a natural compound extracted from <i>Curcuma longa</i> that allows suppression and retardation of carcinogenesis in many types of cancer and is currently being tested in various human clinical trials as it has been found to be well tolerated at higher doses with a relatively well established safety profile."<br /><br />Learn more:<span style="color: #b45f06;"> <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/045396_cervical_cancer_curcumin_disease_prevention.html"><span style="color: #b45f06;">www.naturalnews.com/045396_cervical_cancer_curcumin_disease_prevention.html</span></a></span><br /><br />About the author<br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fzj16xBdLxk/VNUujnew1-I/AAAAAAAAKFw/_YOq_jJ4o5M/s1600/Profile%2BPic%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fzj16xBdLxk/VNUujnew1-I/AAAAAAAAKFw/_YOq_jJ4o5M/s1600/Profile%2BPic%2B2015.jpg" height="200" width="144" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, natural foods chef and wellness coach, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through&nbsp;<span style="color: #b45f06;">ThriveLiving&nbsp;</span>she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Follow on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thrive-Living/499578863433146"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Facebook</span></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Connect via</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thriveliving/"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Pinterest</span></a>&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Find at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.goo.gl/cEZiyR"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Google+</span></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/Thrive_Living"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Twitter</span></a></span><br /><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Lato, sans-serif, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Read her other articles on Natural News&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/Author1183.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">here</span></a><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">.</span></div></div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/-naturalnews-cervical-cancer-curcumin-disease-prevention.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-4928613156196540567Mon, 23 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-23T00:30:02.395-07:00ADDADHDnatural remediessymptomsSoothe ADD/ADHD symptoms naturally with these tips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPXr-jLytho/VCxMz5OEtOI/AAAAAAAAJnc/FkLec3DzU3k/s1600/1024px-Yogahands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPXr-jLytho/VCxMz5OEtOI/AAAAAAAAJnc/FkLec3DzU3k/s1600/1024px-Yogahands.jpg" height="385" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Often only associated with children, attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and its cousin, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are both surprisingly common in adults as well. With our fast-paced lifestyles of information and sensory overload, most can relate to the symptoms of restlessness, insomnia and poor focus and concentration, along with bursts of energy followed by periods of fatigue. The good news is that we can tap into the wisdom of Ayurveda, yoga and natural medicine to help calm this life-disrupting condition.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442207094/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1442207094&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=CMH47YKCVAG2KNVQ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1442207094&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a>As specified by the ancient Indian system of Ayurveda, ADD and ADHD are nervous disorders based on imbalances with the dosha (aspect of one's constitution) of vata.<br /><br />"[Vata is] dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile and clear. When these qualities are in a balanced state, the vata person experiences excellent health, stability, creativity and freedom," notes the Seattle-based Ayurvedic center <i>Life in Balance</i>.<br /><br />Vata also governs cardiovascular function, the nervous system, communication and physical movement. This dosha can become imbalanced with sensory overstimulation, travel, cool and dry weather and excessive time spent on electronic devices—including cellphones, computers and tablets, or watching vast amounts of television, as well as playing video games.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Steps to balance</span></b><br /><br />Although it's nearly impossible to completely unplug from our modern lifestyle for extended periods of time, we can reduce our daily exposure to vata-aggravating activities and embrace practices which ground us. This in turn will help alleviate the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.<br /><br /><b>Spend time in nature -</b> Enjoying the great outdoors is one of the best ways to bring the vata element into harmony. Earthing is even better. Learn more about this cost-free, yet powerful, technique for restoring health <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/038074_shoes_eathing_health.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">here</span></a>.<br /><br /><b>Yoga - </b>Practicing asanas that foster equilibrium, balance and self-awareness is another excellent method for supporting a healthy nervous system. While all poses provide benefit, examples like downward facing dog, tree and corpse pose are especially helpful.<br /><br /><b>Meditation -</b> Similar to practicing yoga, a daily routine of meditation assists with calming a scattered mind and overactive body. Even just 5-10 minutes of quietly watching the breath while seated on the floor can work wonders for those struggling with ADD/ADHD.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591791847/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1591791847&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=2R25IJAYFLZ7IPXG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1591791847&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><b>Diet -</b> Several studies have found that the Standard American Diet (SAD) significantly aggravates, if not<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1591791847" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> downright causes, ADD/ADHD. Avoiding artificial colors, preservatives, MSG, refined sugar and carbohydrates is crucial. Instead, focus on an organic, whole-food diet that is rich in healthy fats (such as grassfed butter, extra-virgin olive and coconut oils), fruit, vegetables and nuts, along with pastured animal proteins and dairy.<br /><br /><b>Massage -</b> A daily massage using warming oils like almond or sesame helps calm overactivity too. If you are strapped for time, a quick foot massage will start the day off right. Otherwise, a nurturing "self-abhy" Ayurvedic massage is the most beneficial.<br /><br />Moreover, adopting a consistent daily routine, reducing clutter in the home and using clay therapeutic baths will also support harmony. Lastly, herbal remedies can provide significant relief from a vata imbalance. Lemon balm, valerian, chamomile and passionflower are excellent for calming a racing mind and stressed body. Likewise, pycnogenol (a plant product made from the French maritime pine tree) balances the stress hormones associated with ADD/ADHD -- leading to increased attention, concentration, sensory processing and motor-visual coordination.<br /><br />Learn more:<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/046395_ADHD_symptoms_natural_remedies.html" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #b45f06;">www.naturalnews.com/046395_ADHD_symptoms_natural_remedies.html</span></a><br /><br /><b>About the Author</b><br /><strong data-iceapc="42" data-iceapw="436" style="border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: Lato, sans-serif, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em data-iceapc="36" data-iceapw="436"><span data-iceapw="6"></span></em></strong><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fzj16xBdLxk/VNUujnew1-I/AAAAAAAAKFw/_YOq_jJ4o5M/s1600/Profile%2BPic%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fzj16xBdLxk/VNUujnew1-I/AAAAAAAAKFw/_YOq_jJ4o5M/s1600/Profile%2BPic%2B2015.jpg" height="200" width="144" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, natural foods chef and wellness coach, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through&nbsp;<span style="color: #b45f06;">ThriveLiving&nbsp;</span>she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Follow on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thrive-Living/499578863433146"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Facebook</span></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Connect via</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thriveliving/"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Pinterest</span></a>&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Find at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.goo.gl/cEZiyR"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Google+</span></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/Thrive_Living"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Twitter</span></a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Read her other articles on Natural News&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/Author1183.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">here</span></a><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">.</span><br /><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Lato, sans-serif, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Lato, sans-serif, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/?a_aid=547109ca452f1&amp;a_bid=5d508c86" target=""><img alt="Global Healing Center" src="http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/pap/accounts/default1/banners/GHC2_468x601.jpg" height="60" title="Global Healing Center" width="468" /></a><img alt="" src="http://globalhealingcenter.com/pap/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=547109ca452f1&amp;a_bid=5d508c86" height="1" style="border: 0;" width="1" /></div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/-naturalnews-ADHD-symptoms-natural-remedies.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-6267595011732031752Fri, 20 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-20T00:30:03.267-07:00healthhealthy foodsimproved nutritionnutritionorganic produceIt's not all bad people! Here are 50 healthy foods to eat right now<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XG6a3C41_xQ/TiCuW-196vI/AAAAAAAAA54/_877PtzW1KI/s1600/IMGP0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XG6a3C41_xQ/TiCuW-196vI/AAAAAAAAA54/_877PtzW1KI/s1600/IMGP0077.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />(<a href="http://eatlocalgrown.com/article/14022-healthiest-foods-on-the-planet.html?c=tca" target="_blank">Eat Local Grown</a>) Eating healthy does NOT have to be boring.<br /><br />There is a massive amount of foods out there that are both healthy and tasty.<br /><br />Here are the 50 healthiest foods on earth. Most of them are surprisingly delicious.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b>1-6: Fruits and Berries</b><br /><br />Fruits and berries are among the world’s most popular health foods.<br /><br />This is not surprising, given that they taste incredible. Fruits are also very easy to incorporate into the diet, because they require little to no preparation.<br /><br /><b>1. Apples</b><br /><br />The apple is high in fiber, vitamin C and numerous antioxidants. Apples are very filling, and perfect as snacks if you find yourself hungry between meals.<br /><br /><b>2. Avocados</b><br /><br />Avocados are different than most fruits, because they are loaded with healthy fats instead of carbs. They are creamy, tasty and high in fiber, potassium and vitamin C.<br /><br /><b>3. Bananas</b><br /><br />Bananas are among the world’s best sources of potassium. They are also high in vitamin B6 and fiber. Bananas are ridiculously convenient and portable.<br /><br /><b>4. Blueberries</b><br /><br />Blueberries are not only delicious, but also among the most powerful sources of antioxidants in the world.<br /><br /><b>5. Oranges</b><br /><br />Oranges are well known for their vitamin C content. They are also high in fiber, antioxidants and taste incredible.<br /><br /><b>6. Strawberries</b><br /><br />Strawberries are highly nutritious, and are low in both carbs and calories.<br /><br />They are loaded with vitamin C, fiber and manganese, and are arguably among the most delicious foods in existence.<br /><br /><b>Other Healthy Fruits</b><br /><br />There are many other healthy fruits and berries that aren’t listed here.<br /><br />Some examples: Apricots, cherries, grapes, grapefruit, kiwi, lemons, mango, melons, olives, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums and raspberries.<br /><br /><b>7. Eggs</b><br /><br />Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet.<br /><br />They were previously demonized for being high in cholesterol, but new studies have shown that they are perfectly safe and healthy (1, 2).<br /><br /><b>8-10: Meats</b><br /><br />It is a myth that meat is harmful. Unprocessed, gently cooked meat is one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods you can eat.<br /><br />*Editor's note: Organic, grass fed/pastured meat is recommended for ultimate health and nutrition.<br /><br /><b>8. Lean Beef</b><br /><br />Lean beef is among the best sources of protein in existence, and loaded with highly bioavailable iron. Choosing the fatty cuts is fine if you’re on a low carb diet.<br /><br /><b>9. Chicken Breasts</b><br /><br />Chicken breast is low in fat and calories, but extremely high in protein. It is a great source of many nutrients. Again, feel free to eat fattier cuts of chicken if you’re not eating that many carbs.<br /><br /><b>10. Lamb</b><br /><br />Lambs are usually grass-fed, and their meat tends to be high in Omega-3 fatty acids.<br /><br /><b>11-16: Nuts, Seeds and Peanuts</b><br /><br />Despite being high in fat and calories, studies suggest that nuts and seeds can help you lose weight.<br /><br />These foods are crunchy, fulfilling and loaded with important nutrients that many people don’t get enough of, including magnesium and vitamin E.<br /><br />They also require zero preparation, which is important because it makes it easier to incorporate them into the diet.<br /><br /><b>11. Almonds</b><br /><br />The almond is a popular type of nut. It is loaded with vitamin E, antioxidants, magnesium and fiber. Studies show that almonds can help you lose weight, and provide impressive benefits for metabolic health (5).<br /><br /><b>12. Chia Seeds</b><br /><br />Chia seeds are among the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. A single ounce (28 grams) contains 11 grams of fiber, and a large part of the recommended intake for magnesium, manganese, calcium and various other nutrients.<br /><br /><b>13. Coconuts</b><br /><br />Coconuts are loaded with fiber and powerful fatty acids called medium-chain triglycerides.<br /><br /><b>14. Macadamia Nuts</b><br /><br />Macadamia nuts are very tasty. They are much higher in monounsaturated fats, and lower in Omega-6 fatty acids, than most other nuts.<br /><br /><b>15. Walnuts</b><br /><br />Walnuts are highly nutritious and loaded with fiber and all sorts of vitamins and minerals.<br /><br /><b>16. Peanuts</b><br /><br />Peanuts (technically legumes, not nuts) are incredibly tasty and high in nutrients and antioxidants. Several studies show that peanuts can help you lose weight (6, 7).<br /><br />However, take it easy on the peanut butter. It is very high in calories and incredibly easy to eat excessive amounts of it.<br /><br /><b>17-26: Vegetables</b><br /><br />Calorie for calorie, vegetables are among the world’s most concentrated sources of nutrients.<br /><br />There is a wide variety available, and it is best to eat many different types of vegetables every day.<br /><br /><b>17. Asparagus</b><br /><br />Asparagus is a popular vegetable. It is low in both carbs and calories, but loaded with vitamin K.<br /><br /><b>18. Bell Peppers</b><br /><br />Bell peppers come in several colors, including red, yellow and green. They are crunchy and taste very sweet, and are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C.<br /><br /><b>19. Broccoli</b><br /><br />Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that tastes great both raw and cooked. It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin K and vitamin C, and contains a decent amount of protein compared to other vegetables.<br /><br /><b>20. Carrots</b><br /><br />The carrot is a popular root vegetable. It is extremely tasty and crunchy, and loaded with nutrients like fiber and vitamin K. Carrots are also very high in carotene antioxidants, which have numerous benefits.<br /><br /><b>21. Cauliflower</b><br /><br />Cauliflower is a very versatile cruciferous vegetable. It can be used to make all sorts of healthy recipes, and also tastes pretty good on its own.<br /><br /><b>22. Cucumber</b><br /><br />The cucumber is one of the world’s most popular vegetables. It is very low in both carbs and calories, and consists mostly of water. However, it does contain a number of nutrients in small amounts, including vitamin K.<br /><br /><b>23. Garlic</b><br /><br />Garlic is incredibly healthy. It contains allicin, a bioactive compound with powerful biological effects, including improved immune function.<br /><br /><b>24. Kale</b><br /><br />Kale has been very popular in recent years, for good reason. It is incredibly high in vitamin K, vitamin C, fiber and a number of other nutrients. It is perfect to add a satisfying crunch to salads and recipes.<br /><br /><b>25. Onions</b><br /><br />Onions have a very strong flavor, and are very popular for use in recipes. They contain a number of bioactive compounds believed to have health benefits.<br /><br /><b>26. Tomatoes</b><br /><br />Tomatoes are usually categorized as a vegetable, although they are technically a fruit. They are tasty and loaded with nutrients like potassium and vitamin C.<br /><br /><b>More Healthy Vegetables</b><br /><br />These weren’t listed, but are also very healthy: Artichokes, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, eggplant, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, radishes, squash, swiss chard, turnips, zucchini.<br /><br /><b>27-32: Fish and Seafood</b><br /><br />Fish and other seafoods tend to be very healthy and nutritious.<br /><br />They are especially rich in in omega-3 fatty acids and iodine, two nutrients that most people don’t get enough of.<br /><br />Studies show that people who eat the most foods from the sea (especially fish) tend to live longer and have a lower risk of many diseases, including heart disease, dementia and depression (9, 10, 11).<br /><br /><b>27. Salmon</b><br /><br />Salmon is a type of oily fish that is incredibly popular due to its excellent taste and high amount of nutrients, including protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains some vitamin D.<br /><br /><b>28. Sardines</b><br /><br />Sardines are small, oily fish that are among the most nutritious foods you can eat. They contain hefty amounts of the majority of nutrients required by the human body.<br /><br /><b>29. Shellfish</b><br /><br />Shellfish isn’t eaten very often, which is a shame because it contains more nutrients than almost every other food. It ranks similar to organ meats when it comes to nutrient density. Edible shellfish includes clams, mollusks and oysters.<br /><br /><b>30. Shrimp</b><br /><br />Shrimp is a type of animal found in the sea. It tends to be low in fat and calories, but high in protein. It is also loaded with various other nutrients, including selenium and vitamin B12.<br /><br /><b>31. Trout</b><br /><br />Trout is another type of delicious oily fish, similar to salmon.<br /><br /><b>32. Tuna&nbsp;</b><br /><b><br /></b>*Editor's note: Due to heavy metal contamination, it's best to limit consumption of tuna to 1x per week at most.<br /><br />Tuna is very popular in Western countries, and tends to be low in fat and calories, but high in protein. It is perfect people who need to add more protein to their diets, while keeping calories low.<br /><br /><b>33-35: Grains</b><br /><br />Grains have gotten a bad rap in recent years, mainly due to them being a forbidden food on the wildly popular paleo diet.<br /><br />However, it is a mistake to lump all grains together.<br /><br />There are many different types of grains, and some of them are very healthy.<br /><br />Just keep in mind that they are still pretty high in carbs, so they are not recommended on a low carb diet.<br /><br /><b>33. Brown Rice</b><br /><br />Rice is one of the oldest cereal grains, and is currently a staple food for more than half of people in the world. Brown (whole grain) rice is fairly nutritious, with a decent amount of fiber, vitamin B1 and magnesium.<br /><br /><b>34. Oats</b><br /><br />Oats are incredibly healthy. They are loaded with nutrients, and also contain powerful fibers called beta-glucans, shown to have numerous benefits.<br /><br /><b>35. Quinoa</b><br /><br />Quinoa has become incredibly popular among health conscious individuals in recent years. It is a tasty grain that is high in nutrients like fiber and magnesium. It is also an excellent source of plant-based protein.<br /><br /><b>36-37: Breads</b><br /><br />Most people eat a lot of bread.<br /><br />For those who are trying to adopt a healthier diet for the first time, it can be extremely challenging to find something to eat instead of bread.<br /><br />Fortunately, there are several healthy (or at least “less bad”) options available.<br /><br /><b>36. Ezekiel Bread</b><br /><br />Ezekiel bread may be the healthiest bread you can buy at the store. It is made from organic, sprouted whole grains, and also contains several types of legumes.<br /><br /><b>37. Homemade low-carb breads</b><br /><br />The safest choice for healthy bread is something that you make yourself. Here is a list of 15 recipes for healthy breads that are gluten-free and low in carbs.<br /><br /><b>38-40: Legumes</b><br /><br />Legumes are another food group that has been unfairly demonized in recent years.<br /><br />It is true that legumes contain anti-nutrients, substances that can interfere with digestion and absorption of nutrients.<br /><br />However, these anti-nutrients can be eliminated by soaking and properly preparing the legumes before eating them (12).<br /><br />What we’re left with is an incredibly cheap source of quality nutrition, including a great plant-based source of protein.<br /><br /><b>38. Green beans</b><br /><br />Green beans, also called string beans, are unripe varieties of the common bean. They are very popular in Western countries.<br /><br /><b>39. Kidney beans</b><br /><br />Kidney beans are loaded with various vitamins and minerals, and are very high in fiber. Just make sure to cook them properly, because they are toxic when raw.<br /><br /><b>40. Lentils</b><br /><br />Lentils are another popular legume. They are high in fiber and are among the best sources of plant-based protein. Lentils also taste delicious, and have a very satisfying texture.<br /><br /><b>41-43: Dairy</b><br /><br />Many people can’t tolerate dairy products.<br /><br />However, for people who do tolerate them, they are a healthy source of various important nutrients.<br /><br />Full-fat dairy products seem to be the best, and studies show that people who eat the most full-fat dairy have a lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes (13, 14).<br /><br />If the dairy comes from grass-fed cows, then that may be even better, as it is higher in some bioactive fatty acids like CLA.<br /><br /><b>41. Cheese</b><br /><br />Cheese is incredibly nutritious, and a single slice of it contains about the same nutrients as an entire cup of milk. It is also one of the most delicious foods you can eat.<br /><br /><b>42. Whole milk</b><br /><br />Whole milk is very high in vitamins, minerals, quality animal protein and healthy fats. It is one of the best sources of calcium.<br /><br /><b>43. Yogurt</b><br /><br />Yogurt is made from milk that is fermented by adding live bacteria to it. It has many of the same health effects as milk, except with the added benefits of the friendly probiotic bacteria.<br /><br /><b>44-46: Fats and Oils</b><br /><br />The “war” on fat is lost, and many fats and oils have been making a comeback as health foods.<br /><br />Chef Pouring Olive Oil on a Salad, Smaller<br /><br /><b>44. Butter from grass-fed cows</b><br /><br />Butter from cows that were fed on grass is high in many important nutrients, including the very important vitamin K2.<br /><br /><b>45. Coconut Oil</b><br /><br />Coconut oil is loaded with powerful fatty acids called medium chain triglycerides. Coconut oil may have benefits for Alzheimer’s disease, and has been shown to help you lose belly fat (15, 16).<br /><br /><b>46. Extra virgin olive oil</b><br /><br />Extra virgin olive oil is the healthiest fat on earth. It contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and is very high in antioxidants with powerful health benefits.<br /><br /><b>47-48: Tubers</b><br /><br />Tubers are the storage organs of some plants. They tend to contain a number of beneficial nutrients.<br /><br /><b>47. Potatoes</b><br /><br />Potatoes are a very popular food around the world. They are loaded with potassium, and contain a little bit of almost every nutrient we need, including vitamin C.<br /><br />They are also incredibly fulfilling. One study found that boiled potatoes were by far the most filling of 38 foods that were tested (17).<br /><br /><b>48. Sweet potatoes</b><br /><br />Sweet potatoes are among the most delicious starchy foods you can eat. They are loaded with antioxidants and all sorts of healthy nutrients.<br /><br /><b>49. Apple Cider Vinegar</b><br /><br />Apple cider vinegar is incredibly popular in the natural health community. Studies show that it can help lower blood sugar levels and cause modest weight loss (18, 19).<br /><br />It is great to use in salad dressings, and to add flavor to meals.<br /><br /><b>50. Dark Chocolate</b><br /><br />Not only is dark chocolate the most delicious food on this list, but it may also be the healthiest.<br /><br />Dark chocolate is loaded with fiber and magnesium, and is one of the most powerful sources of antioxidants in existence (20).<br /><br />51. Anything Else?<br /><br />This is just the tip of the iceberg.<br /><br />Feel free to leave a comment if you want to add to the list!<br /><br />Article source:&nbsp;<a href="http://eatlocalgrown.com/article/14022-healthiest-foods-on-the-planet.html?c=tca">http://eatlocalgrown.com/article/14022-healthiest-foods-on-the-planet.html?c=tca</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px;">Help support this site by making your Amazon purchases through the following affiliate links. Same great deals. NO COST to you. Thank you!</span></blockquote><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/145490352X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=145490352X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=PGPLOP5PWHXUUALX"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=145490352X&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=145490352X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C6MWPNK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00C6MWPNK&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=75ZRDCJUYLLSCF3H"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00C6MWPNK&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00C6MWPNK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/145490559X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=145490559X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=HJH5FMRAEMKE7DF4"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=145490559X&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=145490559X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/eating-healthy-organic-nutrition.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-2077331079434344747Thu, 19 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-19T00:30:01.735-07:00electric carsFranceglobal warmingpollutionsustainabilitytreehuggerWe'll give you €10,000 if you swap that old diesel for a plug-in vehicle, says France government<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2015/02/paris-france-eiffel-tower-01.jpg.662x0_q100_crop-scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2015/02/paris-france-eiffel-tower-01.jpg.662x0_q100_crop-scale.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em class="credit" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">CC BY-SA 2.0&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/anirudhkoul/3483999817/sizes/l" style="border: 0px; color: #b6541e; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Flickr</a></span></em></td></tr></tbody></table>By&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael Graham Richard<br /><br />(<a href="http://www.treehugger.com/environmental-policy/well-give-you-10000-if-you-swap-old-diesel-plug-vehicle-says-france-govt.html" target="_blank">TreeHugger</a>) France is experimenting with all kinds of ways to reduce pollution from transportation, from paying people to bike to the classics, like creating more bike lanes and pedestrians areas. A new initiative, presented by former presidential candidate Ségolène Royal, who is now Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy (long title!), takes the form of an incentive for people to scrap their old diesel vehicles (older than 13 years, meaning that their emissions are <i>quite terrible</i>).<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2015/02/Vignette-10Actions_TableauVehicule_510x448.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2015/02/Vignette-10Actions_TableauVehicule_510x448.png" height="560" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The amount is quite substantial, going up to €10,000 ($11,321.47 at today's exchange rate) if a fully electric vehicle is chosen, or up to €6,500 ($7,358.37) for a plug-in hybrid. These amounts are split between what the call an "environmental bonus" and a "conversion bonus" (loose translation).<br /><br />To top that off, if a diesel vehicle over 13-years-old is replaced with a vehicle that meets Euro 6 specifications and emits less than 110 gCO2/km, there's an additional €500 incentive for non-taxable households.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2015/02/paris-france-eiffel-tower-02.jpg.650x0_q85_crop-smart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2015/02/paris-france-eiffel-tower-02.jpg.650x0_q85_crop-smart.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: Georgia, Palatino, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 28px; max-width: 100%; text-align: center;"><em style="max-width: 100%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/feuilllu/3101281662/sizes/l" style="font-weight: 600; max-width: 100%; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Flickr</span></a><span style="color: #414141;">/</span><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en" style="font-weight: 600; max-width: 100%; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">CC BY-SA 2.0</span></a></span></em></div><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Very old diesel vehicles pollute disproportionally to their numbers, so taking them off the streets first makes sense. Most of their materials can be recycled, but the fossil fuel that they burn and the pollution that people breathe in can never be taken back (especially now that the <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/cars/world-health-organisation-diesel-engine-exhaust-causes-lung-cancer.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">World Health Organization has confirmed that diesel fumes cause lung cancer</span></a>).<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2014/12/paris-smog-0001.jpg.650x0_q85_crop-smart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2014/12/paris-smog-0001.jpg.650x0_q85_crop-smart.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em style="font-family: Georgia, Palatino, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 28px; max-width: 100%; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dbakr/9478479785/sizes/l" style="font-weight: 600; max-width: 100%; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Flickr</span></a><span style="color: #414141;">/</span><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en" style="font-weight: 600; max-width: 100%; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">CC BY 2.0</span></a></span></em></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Obviously this is only a small step, but combined with ambitious infrastructure projects like more bike lanes, expansions in bike sharing, transit improvements, pedestrian zones, maybe some congestion pricing and better management of parking spaces, this can make a difference.<br /><br />Do you think that the U.S. (and other countries) should do a similar thing?<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #414141; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28px;">Via&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/Jusqu-a-10-000-euros-de-prime-pour.html" style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 28px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Gouvernement Francais</span></a><span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28px;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #414141;">(French),&nbsp;</span></span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 28px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.greencarcongress.com/2015/02/20150209-royal.html" style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 28px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration: none;">GCC</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>About the author:</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 38px;">Michael Graham Richard</span><br /><div id="bio-block" style="border: 0px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="author-meta" style="border: 0px; line-height: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Editor / Ottawa, Canada</span></div><div style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Michael has been with TreeHugger since 2005. He started out as a part-time writer, but after about a year (circa February 2006) he made the transition to full-time editor-in-chief. He held that role until January 2008 (the highlight of this period was of course the acquisition of TreeHugger.com by the Discovery Channel), and he's now editor of the Science &amp; Technology and the Cars &amp; Transportation categories (his two main loves).</span></div><div style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was reading The Ecology of Commerce by Paul Hawken and Good News For A Change by David Suzuki and Holly Dressel that changed his life. Before that, he knew about the problems, but didn't think too much about them. After, he knew there were solutions, and he couldn't think about anything else.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Michael's personal blog can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://michaelgr.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #b6541e; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">MichaelGR.com</a>. You can also follow him on&nbsp;<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/107524181424677492946/posts" style="border: 0px; color: #b6541e; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Google+</a>.</span></div><div class="social" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Follow Michael Graham Richard on&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/Michael_GR" style="border: 0px; color: #b6541e; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Twitter</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.treehugger.com/feeds/author/michael-graham-richard/" style="border: 0px; color: #b6541e; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">RSS</a>!</span></div><div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px;">Help support this site by making your Amazon purchases through the following affiliate links. Same great deals. NO COST to you. Thank you!</span></blockquote><div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1626563292/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1626563292&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=3Q5VW3ZRQQKMDGRV"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1626563292&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1626563292" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MX07TL8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00MX07TL8&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=3AFGO4AAZ45CO2OH"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00MX07TL8&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00MX07TL8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IWGRMXC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00IWGRMXC&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=CU7I3EFLMONIJF22"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00IWGRMXC&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00IWGRMXC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/-France-government--sustainability-electric-cars-global-warming.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-6385621361651030280Wed, 18 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-20T18:45:53.952-07:00eye healthnutritious foodpoor visionCorrect poor eyesight naturally with these tips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPE7Edummcc/U2a15vumsRI/AAAAAAAAIA8/sIT3jtvcys0/s1600/1-1252345622N1eB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPE7Edummcc/U2a15vumsRI/AAAAAAAAIA8/sIT3jtvcys0/s1600/1-1252345622N1eB.jpg" height="373" width="640" /></a></div><br />(<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/047987_eye_health_poor_vision_nutritious_food.html">Natural News)</a> More often than not in our daily lives, we find ourselves staring at tiny type on computer screens and cell phones for long periods of time, leading to increased incidence of eye strain and fatigue. Add to this the natural deterioration of vision as we age -- along with the more serious problems of glaucoma and cataracts -- and sharp eyesight can seem like a distant dream. Despite these seemingly inevitable obstacles, we can, in fact, enjoy healthy vision to a ripe old age. Using contemporary techniques, and trusted remedies, healthy eyesight is possible without unpleasant procedures or excessive effort.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b>Eating for healthy eyes</b><br /><br />For bright vision -- and to avoid potential problems down the road -- food is a powerful ally. Consuming a nutrient-rich diet helps protect not only health but also vision. The following edibles are a good place to start:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0986807923/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0986807923&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=JAEZ7HCDH66ZSLL2" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=0986807923&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" height="200" width="200" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0986807923" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Dark leafy greens, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, yellow peppers and egg yolks contain potent antioxidants like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and lutein -- which defend against age-related blindness resulting from macular degeneration. Drinking freshly pressed carrot juice, at least twice per day, is an excellent habit that keeps eye problems at bay.<br /><br />Foods high in sulfur, lecithin and cysteine are another helpful addition to the diet. Examples include garlic, onions, shallots, leeks, tree nuts, dairy, coconut and legumes. These edibles fortify the lens of your eye, thereby reducing the risk of cataracts.<br /><br />Blueberries, black currant, acai and goji berries are chock-full of anthocyanin -- a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that substantially improves eye health.<br /><br />Coldwater fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel provide abundant essential fatty acids that help support cell membranes, which in turn, encourages sharp vision.<br /><br />Additionally, vitamins C and E, along with the minerals zinc and copper, are useful in maintaining healthy eyesight. Citrus fruits, broccoli and Brussels sprouts are good sources of vitamin C, while tree nuts (especially almonds) are high in vitamin E and copper. Pastured beef, wild game and eggs are rich in zinc.<br /><br /><b>Exercises to improve vision</b><br /><br />To support optimal eyesight, Mao Shing Ni, L.Ac., D.O.M., PhD, recommends the following routine:<br /><br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Warm your eyes. Rub your palms together to create heat, and then place them against your eyes for five seconds. Repeat this three times.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Roll your eyes. Start by looking up and then slowly circle 10 times clockwise and 10 times counterclockwise.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Focus. Hold a pen at arm's length, focus your eyes on it, and slowly bring the pen closer until it's about 6 inches away from your nose. Then slowly move it back, keeping your eyes focused on the pen, 10 times in all.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Massage your temples. Using your thumb knuckles, massage your temples in small circles, 20 times in one direction and 20 in the other. Repeat the same actions above the mid-point of the eyebrows at the forehead, then below the eyes on both sides of the bridge of the nose.</li></ul><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/149300607X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=149300607X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=MLJ3MJDCFS7ENR4V" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=149300607X&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a>Also, make sure to get enough sleep, a minimum of eight hours each night in a sufficiently dark room. Giving your eyes a break each<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=149300607X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> hour of the workday is helpful too. Moreover, Trayner pinhole glasses assist in correcting problems such as computer strain, far/near sightedness, eye strain and headaches. Patrick Holford, BSc, DipION, FBANT, NTCRP, notes:<br /><br />"Regular use builds up eye muscles and reshapes the eyes. Most people are amazed when they put pinhole glasses on for the first time and find they can instantly read small print and see sharply without their glasses."<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><b>About the author</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGHsqXlmaXY/VNUlAJs9CPI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/tSsGXdZvr5k/s1600/Profile%2BPic%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGHsqXlmaXY/VNUlAJs9CPI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/tSsGXdZvr5k/s1600/Profile%2BPic%2B2015.jpg" height="200" width="144" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, natural foods chef and wellness coach, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through&nbsp;<span style="color: #b45f06;">ThriveLiving&nbsp;</span>she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Follow on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thrive-Living/499578863433146"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Facebook</span></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Connect via</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thriveliving/"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Pinterest</span></a>&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Find at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.goo.gl/cEZiyR"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Google+</span></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/Thrive_Living"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Twitter</span></a></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><div style="font-family: Times; font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read her other articles on Natural News&nbsp; </span><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/Author1183.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">here</span></a><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">.</span></div></div><div style="font-style: normal;"><div style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Original article source:&nbsp;</span></span><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/047987_eye_health_poor_vision_nutritious_food.html">www.naturalnews.com/047987_eye_health_poor_vision_nutritious_food.html</a></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; line-height: 17px;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="color: #444444;">Are you on&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.tsu.co/ThriveLiving"><span style="color: #b45f06;">tsu</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">&nbsp;</span></i><i style="color: #444444;">yet?&nbsp;</i></span>&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Its a new social media platform that pays you for creating and sharing content. Thousands of people have already joined. Its just like Facebook, it takes seconds to join, and &nbsp;it's even easier to use. And best of all you can reach 100% of your friends and audience—there is absolutely NO censorship. You can only join by invite—and this is an invitation from me to you.&nbsp;</i></span>&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Click&nbsp;<span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="https://www.tsu.co/ThriveLiving"><span style="color: #b45f06;">here</span></a>&nbsp;</span>to join and be sure to follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tsu.co/ThriveLiving"><span style="color: #b45f06;">ThriveLiving</span></a>&nbsp;too.</i></span></blockquote><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;"><i><br /></i></div></div></div></div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/-NaturalNews-eye-health-poor-vision-nutritious-food.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-2784421034990748912Tue, 17 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-18T14:38:47.054-07:00breast canceromega-3 fatty acidswalnutsA handful of walnuts each day can help keep breast cancer away<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaWijNB6Rak/UvVGlu_pjMI/AAAAAAAAHu8/3nDbt1DNz9U/s1600/beautiful-young-girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaWijNB6Rak/UvVGlu_pjMI/AAAAAAAAHu8/3nDbt1DNz9U/s1600/beautiful-young-girl.jpg" height="373" width="640" /></a></div><br />A powerful defense against breast cancer might just be found in the daily habit of eating walnuts. Researchers at Marshall University in W. Virginia have discovered that breast cancer risk dropped significantly in lab animals who ate a regular diet that included a modest amount of the nut.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Lead researcher Elaine Hardman, Ph.D., compared the effects of a standard diet and a diet containing walnuts throughout the lifespan of mice. The quantity of walnuts used in the study was the equivalent of 2 ounces of walnuts per day for a human.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/140004796X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=140004796X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=NAL6K5ZFGAXDEO6T" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=140004796X&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" height="200" width="160" /></a>The mice who consumed the diet which included walnuts experienced breast cancer rates that were less than half compared of those in the standard diet group. Moreover, the numbers and sizes of the tumors were substantially smaller.<br /><br />"These reductions are particularly important when you consider that the mice were genetically programmed to develop cancer at a high rate," Hardman observed. "We were able to reduce the risk for cancer even in the presence of a preexisting genetic mutation."<br /><br /><b>Food as medicine</b><br /><br />Rich in disease-fighting nutrients, walnuts provide a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids along with vitamin E. The team believes that the combination of healthy fats and vitamin E were responsible for the exceptional protective benefit against cancer. According to the university press release:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Using genetic analysis, the Marshall study found that the walnut-containing diet changed the activity of multiple genes that are relevant to breast cancer in both mice and humans. Other testing showed that increases in omega 3 fatty acids did not fully account for the anti-cancer effect, and found that tumor growth decreased when dietary vitamin E increased."</blockquote><br />Hardman noted that these findings spotlight the crucial role played by diet in health and the prevention of disease.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553386735/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0553386735&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=OULAZVJA5JCSJQWE" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=0553386735&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" height="200" width="132" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0553386735" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <br />"Food is important medicine in our diet. What we put into our bodies makes a big difference -- it determines how the body functions, our reaction to illness and health. The simple stuff really works: eat right, get off the couch, and turn off the TV."<br /><br />The study was funded by the American Institute for Cancer Research and the California Walnut Commission.<br /><br />Learn more: <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/047933_walnuts_breast_cancer_fatty_acids.html">www.naturalnews.com/047933_walnuts_breast_cancer_fatty_acids.html</a><br /><br /><strong data-iceapc="42" data-iceapw="436" style="border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: Lato, sans-serif, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em data-iceapc="36" data-iceapw="436"><span data-iceapw="6"></span></em></strong><br /><div><b>About the author</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8jTBuOSvd0/VNUpX-0vKfI/AAAAAAAAKFc/vvU_x0QCjkI/s1600/Profile%2BPic%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8jTBuOSvd0/VNUpX-0vKfI/AAAAAAAAKFc/vvU_x0QCjkI/s1600/Profile%2BPic%2B2015.jpg" height="200" width="144" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, natural foods chef and wellness coach, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through&nbsp;<span style="color: #b45f06;">ThriveLiving&nbsp;</span>she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Follow on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thrive-Living/499578863433146"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Facebook</span></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Connect via</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thriveliving/"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Pinterest</span></a>&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Find at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.goo.gl/cEZiyR"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Google+</span></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/Thrive_Living"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Twitter</span></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">Read her other articles on Natural News</span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/Author1183.html" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">here</span></a><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">.</span></div></div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/-NaturalNews-walnuts-breast-cancer-fatty-acids.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-634667605135306806Mon, 16 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-16T00:30:02.289-07:00agavinssafe sweetenerstequilaNew diabetic-safe sweetener helps manage weight, blood glucose levels<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4ctwfW0eqc/Uk61OJNJTNI/AAAAAAAAGdg/_iIm4RPLUFA/s1600/sugar-tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4ctwfW0eqc/Uk61OJNJTNI/AAAAAAAAGdg/_iIm4RPLUFA/s1600/sugar-tea.jpg" height="374" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />A new natural sweetener has been discovered which may prove to be an effective deterrent against diabetes and obesity. Made from the same plant as tequila, the sugar substitute lowers blood sugar levels and provides a source of dietary fiber. Considering almost 26 million Americans struggle with type 2 diabetes, and countless others battle obesity, the sweetener could very well play a significant role in curbing disease.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b>Not your ordinary sweetener</b><br /><br />Found in the agave plant, sweet-tasting agavins help encourage insulin production, which lowered blood glucose levels in animal tests. Additionally, researchers noted the sugar substitute assisted obese mice in losing weight. According to <i>Forbes</i>:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Unlike sucrose, glucose, and fructose, agavins aren't absorbed by the body, so they can't elevate blood glucose, according to research by Mercedes G. Lopez, a researcher at the Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados, Biotechnology and Biochemistry Irapuato, in Guanajuato, Mexico."</blockquote><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1605296759/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1605296759&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=IWMVDXNXAFXIID5I" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1605296759&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" height="200" width="142" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1605296759" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />The article continues, stating that agavins boost "the level of a peptide called GLP-1 (short for glucagon-like peptide-1), which triggers the body's production of insulin, agavins aid the body's natural blood sugar control. Also, because agavins are type of fiber, they can make people feel fuller and reduce appetite, Lopez's research shows."<br /><br />For the study, Lopez and her team fed a group of mice a standard diet and added agavins to the animal's water supply. The mice were weighed daily, while glucose levels were checked weekly. A majority of the mice who drank the agavins consumed less food, lost weight and experienced a drop in blood glucose levels.<br /><br /><b>The crucial difference between agavins and other sugars</b><br /><br />Not to be mistaken with fructose-rich agave nectar, agavins are fructans -- a type of long-chain fructose which the body cannot use and doesn't absorb. Lopez elaborates in "Tequila plant possible sweetener for diabetics, helps reduce blood sugar, weight":<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Agavins are fructans, which are fructoses linked together in long, branched chains. The human body can't use them in that configuration, so they don't affect blood sugar. Agavins also sometimes get confused with agave nectar or agave syrup, which appears on many health-food store shelves. These products contain fructans that have been broken down into individual fructoses, so they are much more similar to high-fructose corn syrup."</blockquote><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0848743393/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0848743393&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=BAROVZ3YKBYIIFRB" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=0848743393&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" height="200" width="161" /></a>Furthermore, agavins act as a prebiotic, boosting levels of beneficial lactobacillus and bifidus bacteria. And the fiber content<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0848743393" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> helps to lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides.<br /><br />The main disadvantage of the sugar substitute is that agavins aren't quite as sweet as other types of sugar. It can also cause digestive upset in sensitive individuals. So far, only animal tests have been conducted on the sweetener, but researchers are enthusiastic about the implications for humans.<br /><br />Learn more: <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/044379_safe_sweeteners_tequila_agavins.html"><span style="color: #b45f06;">www.naturalnews.com/044379_safe_sweeteners_tequila_agavins.html</span></a><br /><br /><strong data-iceapc="42" data-iceapw="436" style="border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: Lato, sans-serif, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em data-iceapc="36" data-iceapw="436"><span data-iceapw="6"></span></em></strong><br /><div><b>About the author</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzj16xBdLxk/VNUujnew1-I/AAAAAAAAKFs/hTlD6WO56oE/s1600/Profile%2BPic%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzj16xBdLxk/VNUujnew1-I/AAAAAAAAKFs/hTlD6WO56oE/s1600/Profile%2BPic%2B2015.jpg" height="200" width="144" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, natural foods chef and wellness coach, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through&nbsp;<span style="color: #b45f06;">ThriveLiving&nbsp;</span>she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Follow on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thrive-Living/499578863433146"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Facebook</span></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Connect via</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thriveliving/"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Pinterest</span></a>&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Find at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.goo.gl/cEZiyR"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Google+</span></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/Thrive_Living"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Twitter</span></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #444444;">Read her other articles on Natural News</span></span><span style="color: #555555; line-height: 22px;">&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/Author1183.html" style="color: black; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">here</span></a><span style="color: #555555; line-height: 22px;">.</span></span></div><div style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #555555; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="color: #444444;">Are you on&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.tsu.co/ThriveLiving"><span style="color: #b45f06;">tsu</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">&nbsp;</span></i><i style="color: #444444;">yet?&nbsp;</i></span>&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Its a new social media platform that pays you for creating and sharing content. Thousands of people have already joined. Its just like Facebook, it takes seconds to join, and &nbsp;it's even easier to use. And best of all you can reach 100% of your friends and audience—there is absolutely NO censorship. You can only join by invite—and this is an invitation from me to you.&nbsp;</i></span>&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Click&nbsp;<span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="https://www.tsu.co/ThriveLiving"><span style="color: #b45f06;">here</span></a>&nbsp;</span>to join and be sure to follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tsu.co/ThriveLiving"><span style="color: #b45f06;">ThriveLiving</span></a>&nbsp;too.</i></span></blockquote><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;"><i><br /></i></div></div></div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/-NaturalNews-safe-sweeteners-tequila-agavins.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-103174771806282910Sun, 15 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-15T00:30:02.089-07:00communitycrime preventioninspiring storieskindnessPolice violence is not inevitable: four ways a California police chief connected cops with communities<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yesmagazine.org/peace-justice/police-violence-is-not-inevitable-four-ways-a-california-police-chief-connected-cops-with-communities/chrismagnus555.jpg/image" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.yesmagazine.org/peace-justice/police-violence-is-not-inevitable-four-ways-a-california-police-chief-connected-cops-with-communities/chrismagnus555.jpg/image" height="402" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />By Steve Early<br /><br />(<a href="http://www.yesmagazine.org/peace-justice/police-violence-is-not-inevitable-four-ways-a-california-police-chief-connected-cops-with-communities" target="_blank">Yes! Magazine</a>) In the wake of a Missouri grand jury’s decision not to indict Darren Wilson, the police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown, it can be difficult to imagine a place where law enforcement and a racially diverse population work together productively in the United States.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />A decade ago, Richmond was about to record a homicide rate of 47 per year.<br />But it’s happening in Richmond, California, a gritty town in the San Francisco Bay Area best known for its massive Chevron refinery and, in previous years, for its high crime rate. While the situation in Richmond isn’t perfect, it is an example other cities can learn from.<br /><br />Today, violent crime in Richmond is down. In 2013, Richmond had 16 murders—the lowest number in 33 years—and far fewer unsolved homicide cases than in previous years.<br /><br />Police violence, in particular, is way down. Despite making thousands of arrests each year and confiscating one gun or more every day, the Richmond Police Department has averaged less than one officer-involved shooting per year since 2008. On September 6, The Contra Costa Times ran a story citing these and other statistics under the headline “Use of Deadly Force by Police Disappears on Richmond Streets.”<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1626562903/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1626562903&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=7US5QEMA4DZF4M3J" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1626562903&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1626562903" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Police Chief Chris Magnus has been widely credited with enacting the reforms that led to these changes. In recognition of Richmond’s progress, and Magnus’ role in it, the U.S. Department of Justice recently added him to a panel of experts investigating the breakdown of police-community relations in Ferguson, Missouri.<br /><br />That investigation continues, even though the grand jury’s decision has been released. Magnus was unable to comment about the status of that inquiry or what recommendations might result. But he did say that Brown’s death and the resulting civil unrest have had one positive effect.<br /><br />“More communities are now taking a closer look at what’s going on in their own police departments and whether it meets their needs, including on issues involving race and diversity,” he observes. “A critical look at any institution with as much power and authority invested in it as the police is probably a good thing.”<br /><br /><b>Who’s Chris Magnus?</b><br /><br />When Magnus first interviewed for the job of Richmond police chief in 2005, the city was notorious for its violent crime, youth gangs, illegal drugs, and troubled relations between police officers and city residents.<br /><br />The search committee wanted to hire a new chief of police who could reduce crime by reconnecting the department to the people it served. Those vetting Magnus were impressed with his credentials as just this kind of public safety reformer.<br /><br />Unfortunately for Magnus, there was the little matter of his previous posting. As police chief of Fargo, North Dakota, he hailed from one of the safest and whitest places in America. From 2004 to 2005, Fargo averaged two homicides per year, encouraging the Hollywood image of it as sleepy, small-town policing in the upper Midwest.<br /><br />Richmond’s population is actually slightly smaller than Fargo’s, but its people are less wealthy and only 17 percent are white. And then there was the violence: In 2005, 40 murders were recorded in Richmond. In terms of homicides per capita, it was among the most dangerous places in the United States.<br /><br />City officials in Fargo said that Magnus had been effective during his six years as police chief. Could that success be replicated in an environment with far greater racial diversity and no shortage of social dysfunction?<br /><br />“I really thought Fargo would be a disqualifier for me because of the demographics of the city,” Magnus told The San Francisco Chronicle in 2005.<br /><br />But Richmond’s municipal leaders, including Gayle McLaughlin, a Green Party member who has been mayor since January 2007, decided that Magnus was the right man for the job. They hired him in December 2005, when McLaughlin was still a City Council member.<br /><br />Magnus took one unusual step right away. Although most Richmond police officers live outside the city, he bought a home near downtown. From there, he bicycled to work. The problem was that he could never get away from the challenges of his job. From his home he could hear police sirens late into the night, the occasional shot being fired, and members of his neighborhood association knocking on his door to report crimes.<br /><br />Since marrying Terrance Cheung, a top assistant to a county supervisor, Magnus has moved to a quieter part of Richmond.<br /><br />During his nine years as chief, Magnus has implemented a number of policing reforms. We spoke to him about what it took to make the Richmond Police Department into what it is today.<br /><br /><b>1. Rewarding cops for connecting with the community</b><br /><br />Magnus began the process of change by reshuffling the department’s command structure and promoting like-minded senior officers. He also ended the practice of putting “street teams” into high crime neighborhoods, where they would “roust anybody who’s out walking around, with the idea that they might have a warrant outstanding or be holding drugs,” Magnus says.<br /><br />Patrol officers’ job evaluations are now tied to their success in community engagement.<br />In his view, that approach only serves to “alienate the whole population that lives in those neighborhoods,” most of whom are “good people not engaged in crime.”<br /><br />Patrol officers were given more regular beats and directed to spend more time on foot, rather than in squad cars. Their job evaluations and career advancement are now tied to their success in community engagement and individual relationship-building.<br /><br />“We assign people for longer periods of time to specific geographic areas with the expectation that they get to know and become known by residents,” Magnus explains. “They are in and out of businesses, nonprofits, churches, a wide variety of community organizations, and they come to be seen as a partner in crime reduction.”<br /><br /><b>2. Hiring for diversity</b><br /><br />As chief, Magnus has made it a top priority to hire and promote more women, Asians, Latinos, and African Americans.<br /><br />“When you have a department that doesn’t look anything like the community it serves, you’re asking for trouble, no matter how dedicated and professional your employees are,” he says. “So an ongoing mission for us here is to hire the highest-quality people that represent that diversity of the community, across the board. I don’t even just mean from a racial, ethnic, or gender standpoint. I mean in terms of life experiences, being connected to neighborhoods, growing up either in Richmond or cities like Richmond.”<br /><br />Unfortunately, the department has changed record-keeping systems since Magnus took office, which makes it difficult to compare diversity figures directly. But Magnus says the numbers are substantially improved. Today, about 60 percent of Richmond’s 182 active police officers are black, Latino, Asian, or Native American; about 40 percent are white, according to Deputy Chief Allwyn Brown.<br /><br />There are now 26 female officers on the force, including highly visible leaders like Captain Bisa French and Lieutenant Lori Curran.<br /><br /><b>3. Partnering with activists and city groups</b><br /><b><br /></b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1626563292/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1626563292&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=3Q5VW3ZRQQKMDGRV" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1626563292&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1626563292" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <br />Under Magnus, the Richmond Police Department worked closely with the new city hall-based Office of Neighborhood Safety, which deploys a network of street-smart youth mentors to identify teenagers most at risk of joining gangs or engaging in gun violence. The office has enrolled scores of young men and women in a “Peacemaker Fellowship” designed to provide job training, counseling, and financial support to young people who agree to abandon a life of crime.<br /><br />Mother Jones described the program as “a little like stop-and-frisk, except the profiled subjects are singled out for positive attention and opportunities.”<br /><br />In a city with frequent marches and demonstrations, the department has also distinguished itself for working with community organizers to minimize tensions during street protests. And activists wary of most other law enforcement agencies have praised the RPD’s handling of large-scale disobedience, like a sit-in in 2013 at the entrance to the Chevron refinery or more recent skirmishing about the transportation of crude oil through the city by train.<br /><br />Andrés Soto, a native of Richmond and a leading environmental justice campaigner, says the city has come a long way from the days when “there were not a lot of professional standards” in the hiring of new officers. Back then, he says, Richmond employed too many “ex-military, thuggish cops and rednecks” whose behavior led to costly police brutality cases and civil rights settlements.<br /><br />“It can be helpful for officers to have had military experience,” Magnus points out. “But, at the same time, we also want people who can … show empathy with victims of crime, who are not afraid to smile, to get out of the police car and interact in a positive way with people, who can demonstrate emotional intelligence, who are good listeners, who have patience, who don’t feel that it takes away from their authority to demonstrate kindness.”<br /><br /><b>4. Staying away from guns</b><br /><br />Magnus has consistently promoted new training programs and the acquisition of nonlethal weaponry, including Tasers and pepper spray, designed to minimize the use of deadly force.<br /><br />Richmond is different from Ferguson in a number of ways.<br /><br />Richmond now participates, along with five other cities, in the nationwide Violence Reduction Network sponsored by the United States Department of Justice. The network is supporting an upcoming seminar on “procedural justice” for members of the Richmond Police Department, which will focus, in part, on the problem of “unconscious bias” in police interactions with the public.<br /><br />To conduct this training, Magnus has enlisted the services of University of South Florida criminologist Lorie Fridell, who has researched and written about the problem of law enforcement officers acting unfairly based on unconscious associations between members of racial minorities and crime.<br /><br /><b>When violence still breaks out</b><br /><br />However well these changes have worked, police reformers in Richmond don’t get to rest on their laurels for long. On September 14, a fatal encounter took place between Wallace Jensen, an officer on foot patrol, and 24-year-old Richard Perez III. Already on probation for a previous gun incident, Perez was intoxicated and resisted arrest after a liquor store clerk reported that he had been shoplifting.<br /><br />According to the responding officer, Perez tried to wrestle his gun away. The three bullets fired at Perez resulted in Richmond’s first deadly “officer-involved shooting” since 2007.<br /><br />Some in the victim’s family wondered why the officer failed to use his Taser or nightstick to subdue Perez. The family retained a civil rights lawyer, who has threatened to sue the city.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Perez’s aunt invited Chris Magnus to the funeral, which he and Deputy Chief Brown attended in civilian clothes. Magnus also deployed his social media skills to disseminate detailed information about parallel investigations into the incident being conducted by the RPD’s Professional Standards Unit and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.<br /><br />“One of the things we tried to convey is that we have genuine sympathy for the family and acknowledge that the death of this young man is tragic,” Magnus said, noting that the “officer involved had to make a very tough decision in a matter of seconds.”<br /><br />The setting being Richmond, where the police department has worked on its relationship with residents, the incident was different from Mike Brown's shooting in a number of ways. Both Perez and Jensen were Latino speakers of Spanish. As a member of the department’s crisis negotiation team, Jensen has received regular training on how to handle volatile situations. He remains on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the two investigations into his conduct.<br /><br />Even in a city held up as a model for better policing, relationships with the community are being tested once again. It took nearly a decade of change in the culture of the department and a supportive city leadership to get this far—that’s an indication of how long and difficult the road ahead will be in other places.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.yesmagazine.org/peace-justice/police-violence-is-not-inevitable-four-ways-a-california-police-chief-connected-cops-with-communities">www.yesmagazine.org/peace-justice/police-violence-is-not-inevitable-four-ways-a-california-police-chief-connected-cops-with-communities</a><br /><br /><br /></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/police-violence-is-not-inevitable-four.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-2948439619160560714Sat, 14 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-16T07:34:07.658-07:00generosityRAKWeekRandom Acts of KindnessRandom Acts of Kindness WeekKindness contest bears fruit for all<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvdgHew3Moo/VNu-owv76-I/AAAAAAAAKGQ/_6b9LDNbj3o/s1600/478px-Grenade_(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvdgHew3Moo/VNu-owv76-I/AAAAAAAAKGQ/_6b9LDNbj3o/s1600/478px-Grenade_(1).JPG" height="640" width="507" /></a></div><br />When I was little I wondered why neighborhoods didn’t invest in edible landscaping to build community, promote health, and promote collaboration. As adults, my husband and I decided the right way to answer this question was to do it ourselves, so we transformed our front yard with edibles, adding blueberries, strawberries, limes, pomegranates, and oranges.<br />Every crop brought us closer to neighbors and strangers. The food was an excuse to commune. Kids in the neighborhood (including our sons) learned patience and gentle timing. When we had extra, we'd share it. Then, we received a powerful lesson; a gift hidden as a loss. Our first-ever crop of pomegranates had ripened. But at harvest, they were all gone, stolen in the middle of the night. We were shocked, sad and angry. Friends had fun suggesting deterrents. One even suggested we post a sign to curse thieves who stole our fruit.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1573244848/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1573244848&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=4PX274Q6JFKUEMXM" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1573244848&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" height="200" width="200" /></a>And suddenly, the lesson was clear. We did need a sign. But our sign would encourage sharing and community. Last Fall, we had a larger crop of pomegranates. We posted a sign that read, "If you’d like one, please knock and introduce yourself and we'd be happy to cut one off the bush for you.<br /><br />Cutting saves the branches and promotes future growth so we can continue to share pomegranates with new friends like you. Thanks, The Green Family." Out of eight fruits, one pomegranate was taken, and most others gifted to new friends. This year, we won the Kindness Contest award, so we planted three new fruit trees - a peach, a pear and a plum. Before they fruit, I'll add a big sign to the yard to encourage sharing. Today, I am happy to role model generosity for my young sons and to have been blessed with the opportunity to provide an edible front yard for others.<br /><br />Original story published at:<span style="color: #b45f06;"> <a href="http://www.kindspring.org/story/view.php?sid=59264">www.kindspring.org/story/view.php?sid=59264</a></span><br /><br />Photo Credit:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grenade_(1).JPG" target="_blank">Remi Jouan</a><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="color: #444444;">Are you on&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.tsu.co/ThriveLiving"><span style="color: #b45f06;">tsu</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">&nbsp;</span></i><i style="color: #444444;">yet?&nbsp;</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i><i>It’s a new social media platform that pays you for creating and sharing content. Thousands of people have already joined. Its just like Facebook, it takes seconds to join, and &nbsp;it's even easier to use. And best of all you can reach 100% of your friends and audience—there is absolutely NO censorship. You can only join by invite—and this is an invitation from me to you.&nbsp;</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i><i>Click&nbsp;<span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="https://www.tsu.co/ThriveLiving"><span style="color: #b45f06;">here</span></a>&nbsp;</span>to join and be sure to follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tsu.co/ThriveLiving"><span style="color: #b45f06;">ThriveLiving</span></a>&nbsp;too.</i></span><br /><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;"><i><br /></i></div></div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/kindness-contest-bears-fruit-for-all-random-acts-of-kindness.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-1377646545655707808Fri, 13 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-13T00:30:02.488-07:00healthjoyA loving, joyful heart shown to encourage vibrant health <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0JSUNtmDyo/UmIQE7xf0LI/AAAAAAAAGjY/J_j20wy9RAQ/s1600/heart-of-love-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0JSUNtmDyo/UmIQE7xf0LI/AAAAAAAAGjY/J_j20wy9RAQ/s400/heart-of-love-.jpg" height="233" width="400" /></a></div>Living life by the wisdom of the heart not only feels good, but also sustains and improves health. Numerous studies have proven that positive inner emotional states create increased harmony and balance to the nervous system. These positive states help to reduce stress on the heart and bodily organs which further promotes overall wellness.<br /><br />The<i> Institute of HeartMath&nbsp;</i>in Boulder Creek, California is the leading non-profit research center for studying the science of the heart and how it affects health and well-being. The center discovered what it calls heart rhythm coherence which is triggered by positive emotions such as love. Rhythm coherence has important implications for not only emotional harmony, but also for physical health. The researchers found that when the heart has a steady, balanced, and smooth rhythm, blood pressure is lowered and the bodily systems work efficiently. When the heart rhythm is erratic and stressed, numerous health consequences of the nervous, cardiovascular, hormonal and immune systems occur.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />As explained by the institute:<br /><br />"Scientific research now tells us plainly that anger, anxiety and worry significantly increase the risk of heart disease, including sudden cardiac death. Landmark long-term studies conducted by Dr. Hans Eysenck and colleagues at the University of London have shown that chronic unmanaged emotional stress is as much as six times more predictive of cancer and heart disease than cigarette smoking, cholesterol level or blood pressure, and much more responsive to intervention."<br /><br />The institute has developed several tools to help individuals train and develop their positive emotional systems while creating health promoting coherence. The freeze-frame technique helps individuals to detach from negative emotions in the moment; it brings awareness to the heart while generating genuine positive feeling such as love, appreciation, or compassion. According to the HeartMath Institute, "This process prevents or reverses the body's normal destructive stress response, and changes the bodily feedback sent to the brain, thus arresting physiological and psychological wear and tear." Another technique is referred to as the heart-lock; this empowers people to 'lock-in' positive emotions of the heart to boost energy, amplify clarity along with peace, and encourage physiology to maintain longer periods of coherent harmony. A third method is called the cut-thru which assists individuals in shifting their habitual stress response in the moment from negative to neutral or even positive.<br /><br />Research at the University of Berlin also confirmed that a loving, joyful orientation stimulates health and well-being. In a pilot study, loving-kindness meditation was shown to reduce chronic pain, psychological distress, and anger. According to the study:<br /><br />"Positive emotions, compassion and happiness help us to feel better, particularly in stress, and further they improve bodily functions: Love, compassion and joy make our immune system function better and help to battle diseases."<br /><br />As stress continues to escalate in modern life while negatively affecting health, a heart-centered orientation is the key to maintaining zest, balance, and flourishing vitality.<br /><br />Learn more:<br /><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/031269_joy_health.html#ixzz2XbZOmzYm"><span style="color: #b45f06;">http://www.naturalnews.com/031269_joy_health.html#ixzz2XbZOmzYm</span></a><br /><br /><b>Sources:</b><br /><br />Love Promotes Health", Charity-University Medicine Berlin, Institute for General Practice and Family Medicine, Neuroendocrinology Letters No.3 June Vol.26, 2005<br /><br />"Love for No Reason", Marci Shimoff, 2010, Simon &amp; Schuster, Inc. New York<br /><br /><a href="http://www.heartmath.org/research/science-of-the-heart/emoti11onal-balance-health.html">http://www.heartmath.org/research/science-of-the-heart/emoti11onal-balance-health.html</a></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/joy-health.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-6867936425720894176Thu, 12 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-12T03:40:54.107-07:00depressionDr. Mercolafatiguehappinesshealthhugsimmune systemimmunityinfectionsREKweekstressCould a hug a day keep infection away?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9BiwJz1dnaI/VNtplwft_pI/AAAAAAAAKGA/l5nBrUi18BI/s1600/640px-Hugz_(3135203167).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9BiwJz1dnaI/VNtplwft_pI/AAAAAAAAKGA/l5nBrUi18BI/s1600/640px-Hugz_(3135203167).jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />By<a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/02/07/benefits-hugging.aspx?x_cid=20150211_ranart_benefits-hugging_twitterdoc"> Dr. Mercola</a><br /><br />Infants deprived of touch typically experience developmental delays. Their growth is often impaired, as is their cognitive development. Rates of serious infections and attachment disorders also increase in children who have been deprived of this apparently innate need.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1568380941/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1568380941&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=FDOATPTIUZURIE33" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1568380941&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1568380941" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />There are other signs, too, that touch is much more powerful than perhaps we give it credit for. When premature infants are held, skin-to-skin, by their mothers, they have better cognitive skills, are more resilient to stress, and show more organized sleep, among other benefits, even 10 years later.<br /><br />This might be construed as a benefit more of maternal contact than touch, but even studies on nurses giving infant massage show the babies benefit from touch, even when it’s from a stranger (they have increased weight gain and earlier discharge from the hospital, for starters).<br /><br />Even nonhuman primates may spend up to 20 percent of their day grooming each other. We are born with this need for touch, but many of us are now touch deprived. One study found that people in France touch each other an average of 110 times per hour during conversation. In the US, that dropped to two times and in England, zero.5,<br /><br />As for hugs, perhaps the “Holy Grail” of touch, one study found that one-third of people receive no hugs on a daily basis while 75 percent said they wanted more hugs. This isn’t only a recipe for loneliness … it might increase your risk of catching a cold, too.<br /><br /><b>More Hugs Might Help Keep Infections Away</b><br /><br />It’s been shown that people who are under stress and in conflict with others are more susceptible to viruses like the common cold. Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University set out to determine whether social support, as gauged by hugging, might in turn be protective against such infections.<br /><br />It turns out their hypothesis was right. Among 404 adults, those who had greater social support and more frequent hugs during conflicts were less likely to “catch” a cold after they were exposed to the virus. The hugs, researchers said, were responsible for about one-third of the protective effect.<br /><br />According to the study’s lead researcher:<br /><br />“This suggests that being hugged by a trusted person may act as an effective means of conveying support and that increasing the frequency of hugs might be an effective means of reducing the deleterious effects of stress…<br /><br />The apparent protective effect of hugs may be attributable to the physical contact itself or to hugging being a behavioral indicator of support and intimacy… Either way, those who receive more hugs are somewhat more protected from infection.”<br /><br /><b>What Might You Gain from a 10-Second Hug a Day?</b><br /><br />If you’ve ever needed an excuse for more hugging, let it be this: hugging increases levels of the “love hormone” oxytocin. This, in turn, may have beneficial effects on your heart health and more.<br /><br />One study found, for instance, that women had lower blood pressure following a brief episode of warm contact with their partner. A 20-second hug, along with 10 minutes of hand-holding, also reduces the harmful physical effects of stress, including its impact on your blood pressure and heart rate.<br /><br />This makes sense, since hugging is known to lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Hugging also activates the orbitofrontal cortex in your brain, which is linked to feelings of reward and compassion.11, But research suggests there’s even more to it than that.<br /><br />As reported by <i>Mail Online</i>:<br /><br />“The skin contains a network of tiny, egg-shaped pressure centers called Pacinian corpuscles that can sense touch and which are in contact with the brain through the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve winds its way through the body and is connected to a number of organs, including the heart.<br /><br />It is also connected to oxytocin receptors. One theory is that stimulation of the vagus triggers an increase in oxytocin, which in turn leads to the cascade of health benefits.”<br /><br />A 10-second hug a day can lead to biochemical and physiological reactions in your body that can significantly improve your health. According to one study, this includes:<br /><br />Lower risk of heart disease<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stress reduction<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fight fatigue<br />Boost your immune system<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fight infections<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ease depression<br /><br /><b>How Many Hugs a Day? At Least Four… Try for 12</b><br /><br />It has been described in the medical literature that “four hugs per day was an antidote for depression, eight hugs per day would achieve mental stability and twelve hugs per day would achieve real psychological growth.”<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316167258/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0316167258&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=EZZ3EXYIHH3UZI3I" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=0316167258&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a>Neuroeconomist Paul Zak, also known as “Dr. Love,” recommends at least eight hugs a day to be <img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0316167258" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> happier and enjoy better relationships. This may very well be the “hug threshold” that allows your body to produce ample amounts of oxytocin, which is released in response to physical touch.<br /><br />This might seem like a tall order, but the growing popularity of “cuddle parties” and professional cuddlers gives merit to the fact that people are longing for more touch – even if they have to pay to get it.<br /><br />There is some suggestion that hugs from strangers may be perceived as threatening and actually increase emotional burden and stress -- but if you enjoy the idea of cuddling with strangers, a cuddle party might be good for you.<br /><br />Of course, making an effort to hug the people close to you is one of the best ways to get more hugs in return. This can include your spouse, children, and other family members along with close friends.<br /><br />With the already known and still-to-emerge health and quality of life benefits to be derived from the natural release of oxytocin in your body, your best course of action is to make sure you’re cultivating warm, loving, intimate relationships, no matter what stage of life you’re in.<br /><br />Quite simply, the more oxytocin your pituitary gland releases, the better able you are to handle life’s stressors. Oxytocin decreases the level of stress hormones (primarily cortisol) your body manufactures and lowers your blood pressure response to anxiety-producing events.<br /><br />Oxytocin quite likely plays a role in why pet owners heal more quickly from illness, why couples live longer than singles, and why support groups work for people with addictions and chronic diseases.<br /><br /><b>Hugging Is Only One Option</b><br /><br />A full-body hug stimulates your nervous system while decreasing feelings of loneliness, combating fear, increasing self-esteem, defusing tension and showing appreciation. That’s an impressive list, but hugs aren’t the only option to benefit from the power of touch. If you have a pet, just a few minutes petting your dog or cat can promote the release of your body’s “happiness” hormones, including oxytocin. Since touch anywhere on your body, as well as positive interactions and psychological support are known to increase oxytocin levels, you might also consider:<br /><br />Holding hands and kissing<br />Giving and receiving a backrub<br />Nurturing others<br />Getting a massage<br />Practicing mind-body therapies like breathing exercises and yoga<br /><br />Interestingly, past research has also similarly found that positive emotions –including being happy, lively, and calm -- appear to play a role in immune function. &nbsp;One study found that when happy people are exposed to cold and flu viruses, they're also less likely to get sick and, if they do, exhibit fewer symptoms. So while a hug a day (or more) will certainly be beneficial, so, too, will striving to be happy or, ideally, do both.<br /><br />Republished from <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/02/07/benefits-hugging.aspx?x_cid=20150211_ranart_benefits-hugging_twitterdoc"><span style="color: #b45f06;">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/02/07/benefits-hugging.aspx?x_cid=20150211_ranart_benefits-hugging_twitterdoc</span></a><br /><br /><blockquote><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="color: #444444;">Are you on&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.tsu.co/ThriveLiving"><span style="color: #b45f06;">tsu</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">&nbsp;</span></i><i style="color: #444444;">yet?&nbsp;</i></span>&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It's a new social media platform that pays you for creating and sharing content. Thousands of people have already joined. Its just like Facebook, it takes seconds to join, and &nbsp;it's even easier to use. And best of all you can reach 100% of your friends and audience—there is absolutely NO censorship. You can only join by invite—and this is an invitation from me to you.</i></span>&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Click&nbsp;<span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="https://www.tsu.co/ThriveLiving"><span style="color: #b45f06;">here</span></a>&nbsp;</span>to join and be sure to follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tsu.co/ThriveLiving"><span style="color: #b45f06;">ThriveLiving</span></a>&nbsp;too.</i></span></blockquote></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/could-hug-day-keep-infection-away.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-2218365902713899097Wed, 11 Feb 2015 14:09:00 +00002015-02-11T07:11:45.429-07:00gratitudehappinessjoykindnessRAKWeekRandom Acts of Kindness WeekJoin us for Random Acts of Kindness Week February 9-15 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F4BWXeDuq9o/UvU_mjWbxMI/AAAAAAAAHuk/SCjdlRv1dUk/s1600/1024px-Chocolate-dipped_heart-shaped_cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F4BWXeDuq9o/UvU_mjWbxMI/AAAAAAAAHuk/SCjdlRv1dUk/s1600/1024px-Chocolate-dipped_heart-shaped_cookies.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div><div style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px;">Did you know that February 9-15th is Random Acts of Kindness week? Imagine if for one week, all of your social media feeds were flooded with kindness. Uplifting news stories, inspiring quotes, kind comments…for one week everyone united to focus on the positive. That’s the goal of&nbsp;<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;*N&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/rakweek?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=858128654244830" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #6d84b4;">‪#‎</span><span class="_58cm">RAKWeek‬</span></a></div><div style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">Whenever you post anything inspiring, make sure to tag it with #RAKWeek so we all can keep count.</div><div style="color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-top: 6px;"><a href="http://youtu.be/8mcIwwr8Dik" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/8mcIwwr8Dik</a></div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/join-us-for-random-acts-of-kindness-week.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-6508220260637193086Wed, 11 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-11T07:46:17.722-07:00gratitudehappinessresearchA daily dose of gratitude encourages health, happiness and vibrancy - researchers assert<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khxx1CqHZqE/UvVNrUoHsUI/AAAAAAAAHvU/NkU9VdPXMUI/s1600/Gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khxx1CqHZqE/UvVNrUoHsUI/AAAAAAAAHvU/NkU9VdPXMUI/s1600/Gratitude.jpg" height="371" width="640" /></a></div><br />With all the insanity in the world, it is easy to become bogged down with negativity. Destructive weather, economic meltdowns, a toxic environment, GMOs. The list could go on forever. It is natural to become disillusioned, depressed and hostile in light of such bad news. But researchers have discovered that even when the environment around us is cloaked in apparent darkness, we can still be happy, healthy, alert -- and make a positive impact. As we become more appreciative, vibrancy and energy returns, stress is reduced and we are able to connect with others in a beneficial way.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The science behind gratefulness</span></b><br /><br />Doctors Blaire and Justice at the University of Texas Health Science Center believe that "gratitude is truly amazing in its physical and psychosocial benefits." A tall order for something as simple as feeling grateful, but research has found that an orientation of gratitude will:<br /><br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Encourage higher levels of alertness, vitality, enthusiasm, determination, attentiveness and energy</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Reduce physical symptoms like headaches, coughing, nausea or pain</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Boost immunity in both sick and healthy persons</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Lower stress response and blood pressure</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Curb depression and anxiety</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Cool anger and diminish resentment</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Cultivate compassion and empathy</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Increase positive social connections</li></ul><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118131290/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1118131290&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=EB6PRT44D4UBQ4HQ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1118131290&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1118131290" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., from the University of California Davis, confirms these benefits. Emmons, along with his colleague Mike McCullough of the University of Miami, conducted an experiment where participants were given one of three tasks. A weekly journal was kept by each randomly assigned individual either recording grateful thoughts, hassles and frustrations or neutral circumstances that were neither positive nor negative. After 10 weeks, those in the gratitude group were 25 percent happier about their lives than the group that documented frustrations. They also had fewer health complaints and exercised longer by 1.5 hours.<br /><br />Another study found that individuals with congenital and adult-onset neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) also benefited from gratitude journaling. For those who kept a gratitude journal, quality of sleep was enhanced with longer hours and a more refreshed feeling upon waking. They also felt increased optimism about the upcoming week, more satisfaction with their lives and a greater connection to others compared with the non-journaling participants in the study.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Practices for cultivating gratitude</span></b><br /><br />This all sounds well and good, but how do we begin to instill more gratitude into our hectic days? A common theme among positive psychologists: start small and slow down. Here are a few suggestions to get the ball rolling:<br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Keep a daily gratitude journal</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Appreciate nature, a good meal or an object of beauty</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Write a detailed thank you note</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Count blessings each day</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Spend a few moments in silent prayer with a focus on thankfulness</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Show appreciation for a coworker, mate or family member</li></ul><br /><b><span dx="" style="font-size: large;">Reality check</span></b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1573245879/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1573245879&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=73RQ72JHDGEOIOLN" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1573245879&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a>Still daunted by the idea of cultivating a grateful orientation day in and day out? Michigan <img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1573245879" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> positive psychologist Christopher Peterson offers a bit of insight:<br /><br />"I'm not a Pollyanna. And obviously, someone who's unrelentingly cheerful can be a pain in the ass. ... There are no long-term quick fixes for happiness. So if you become a more grateful person and you add those exercises to your repertoire, you'll be different six months or a year from now. But if you say okay, I'm done with the story and I'm going back to the way I was, it'll just have been a six-week high. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's not going to permanently change you."<br /><div><br /></div><div>Learn more:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/038343_gratitude_happiness_research.html#ixzz2XWtB0kz8"><span style="color: #b45f06;">www.naturalnews.com/038343_gratitude_happiness_research.html#ixzz2XWtB0kz8</span></a></div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2014/02/-gratitude-happiness-research.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-8723931907687876870Tue, 10 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-10T00:30:00.590-07:00food safetyItalyMonsantoOrganic farmingorganic farmsItaly gives us one more victory in our fight to defeat Monsanto <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AmiULZx35gU/VNUi60hKHNI/AAAAAAAAKFE/4U1_IpUwixY/s1600/rice-art-italy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AmiULZx35gU/VNUi60hKHNI/AAAAAAAAKFE/4U1_IpUwixY/s1600/rice-art-italy.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />(<a href="http://higherperspective.com/2015/02/italy-monsanto.html?utm_source=MAM">Higher Perspective</a>) The Agriculture Ministry of Italy has decided that enough is enough and are looking to ban Monsanto’s genetically modified crops from their nation. With 80% of Italian citizens in complete support of this ban, Italy’s government doesn’t feel like it has all that much to lose.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />A decree has now been signed that effectively bans Monsanto’s genetically modified corn, which is currently legally grown and sold throughout the European union. The decree isn’t a binding one just yet, but the public stands behind it in a big way. The agricultural ministry rightfully addressed one of many problems with Monsanto’s GMO crops, stating that they have a “negative impact on biodiversity.”<br /><br />If European nations are able to start making moves like this, why can’t we do it here in the United States? Take a moment to thank Italy for standing up to GMO biotech corporations and spread the news of this great victory against Monsanto!<br /><br />Read more at <a href="http://higherperspective.com/2015/02/italy-monsanto.html#m6iXgR8DO1J2UdWu.99">http://higherperspective.com/2015/02/italy-monsanto.html#m6iXgR8DO1J2UdWu.99</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px;">Help support this site by making your Amazon purchases through the following affiliate links. Same great deals. NO COST to you. Thank you!</span></blockquote><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1609619838/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1609619838&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=3GEO5SL46SKBN325"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1609619838&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1609619838" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/074326763X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=074326763X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=34ZUOCBOAVCXDJGJ"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=074326763X&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=074326763X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1602399840/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1602399840&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=OVJKUHPAUHPGYKMN"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1602399840&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1602399840" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/-Italy-soon-to-ban-Monsanto.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-4938644959651311451Mon, 09 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-09T04:17:18.133-07:00measlesvaccinesvirus sheddingMeasles outbreak likely caused by vaccinated children, science shows<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/048534_failed_vaccines_infographic_circular_logic.html"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOI1nc1C6eQ/VNUeAcfTOcI/AAAAAAAAKE0/tlihkA3yEkk/s1600/Infographic-Vaccine-Circular-Logic-800.jpg" height="609" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />(<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/048519_vaccines_measles_virus_shedding.html">NaturalNews</a>) While the media continues to spew emotionally charged tirades about how the anti-vaccination "movement" allegedly triggered the recent measles outbreak that health authorities believe started at Disneyland, actual science suggests that the most likely cause of this insanely overblown outbreak was a person who was recently vaccinated.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Numerous published studies reveal how live-virus vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) actually shed these diseases for many weeks or even months following vaccination, potentially infecting others, both vaccinated and unvaccinated. This means that any child who was recently given an MMR vaccine is a walking disease-spreader, a truth that the media is refusing to report as even just a possibility in this case.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1480216895/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1480216895&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=QOGAHPUYPRUYKPCY" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1480216895&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1480216895" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />The fact that vaccinated individuals can and do carry around contagious measles for many weeks while displaying no symptoms of the disease suggests that this latest outbreak might just be another example of a vaccine-strain outbreak. While a handful of the roughly 100 measles cases identified so far have tested out as wild genotype B3 measles, according to the latest reports, the original source of the outbreak has yet to be identified.<br /><br />"Numerous scientific studies indicate that children who receive a live virus vaccination can shed the disease and infect others for weeks or even months afterwards," said Leslie Manookian, a documentary filmmaker and activist. "Thus, parents who vaccinate their children can indeed put others at risk."<br /><br />A fairly recent example of this occurred in New York City during a measles outbreak that was documented in 2011. A twice-vaccinated individual -- that is, an individual who received two separate doses of MMR in accordance with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations -- was found to have spread measles to multiple individuals.<br /><br />Nearly two decades ago, the CDC itself came to this same disturbing conclusion in <a href="http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/vaccinated-spreading-measles-who-merck-cdc-documents-confirms">a study published in the <i>Journal of Clinical Microbiology</i></a>. Urine samples collected from newly vaccinated 15-month-old children as well as young adults revealed that nearly all of them had detectable levels of the measles virus inside their bodies, meaning they are the real contagion threat.<br /><br />"In some cases, measles virus RNA was detected as early as 1 day or as late as 14 days after the children were vaccinated," explains the study about the unpredictability of the vaccine-transmitted virus.<br /><br /><b>Most disease outbreaks occur among vaccinated populations, CFR report admits</b><br /><br />There's still so much that's unknown about the current outbreak, including where and how it actually started, that it's painfully obvious the media has a sinister agenda. The unvaccinated are the easiest scapegoats, because they're a minority (and they contradict the official story), so they're the ones being tagged as the instigators in supposedly "bringing back" this disease.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062080644/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0062080644&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=IUVZ6VBP4QJ4K4NK" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=0062080644&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a>Measles has been around forever, even since the MMR vaccine was introduced, and outbreaks are quite common among both the <img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0062080644" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> vaccinated and the unvaccinated. In many cases, those who succumb to the disease are those who were already vaccinated, developing the condition either from the vaccine itself or from others who received the vaccine. A 2014 report published by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) has this to say about who the real instigators of disease outbreaks typically are.<br /><br />According to GlobalResearch.org, the report openly states "that the most highly vaccinated populations are also those with the greatest number of outbreaks for those same infectious diseases. This was especially the case for measles, mumps, rubella, polio and pertussis outbreaks."<br /><br />Oh, but vaccines only work when most everyone is vaccinated because of a magical concept known as "herd immunity," right? Not so fast. The Office of Medical and Scientific Justice (OMSJ), having thoroughly analyzed the conclusions presented in the CFR report, determined that even the CFR isn't convinced that herd immunity is a scientifically legitimate concept.<br /><br />According to Global Research, the OMSJ concluded that given "the repeated incidences of infectious outbreaks in populations with 94% or more vaccine compliance [the alleged threshold when herd immunity is activated], and the emergence of new viral strains, the concept of herd immunity should be forgotten.<br /><br />"The Office offers several possibilities to explain the report: 1) vaccines are increasingly becoming ineffective and causing 'immune dysfunction,' and 2) 'vaccine antigen responses' may be reprogramming viruses while weakening the immune systems of the most vaccinated individuals."<br /><br />Don't expect to hear any of this from propaganda outlets like CNN, Fox and USA Today, which are preying on the weak-minded in order to advance the sentiment that unvaccinated people are a threat -- or worse, a societal scourge. If anything, the exact opposite is true when considering published science, which shows that vaccinated people are the biggest threats.<br /><br />"Health officials should require a two-week quarantine of all children and adults who receive vaccinations," contends Sally Fallon Morell, president of the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF). "This is the minimum amount of time required to prevent transmission of infectious diseases to the rest of the population, including individuals who have been previously vaccinated."<br /><br /><b>Sources for this article include:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/press/studies-show-that-vaccinated-individuals-spread-disease/">http://www.westonaprice.org/press/studies-show-that-vaccinated-individuals-spread-disease/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2014/02/27/cid.ciu105">http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2014/02/27/cid.ciu105</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/vaccinated-spreading-measles-who-merck-cdc-documents-confirms">http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/vaccinated-spreading-measles-who-merck-cdc-documents-confirms</a><br /><br /><a href="http://globalresearch.org/vaccine-mccarthyism-what-if-the-vaccine-paradigm-itself-is-deliberately-flawed/5427768">http://globalresearch.org/vaccine-mccarthyism-what-if-the-vaccine-paradigm-itself-is-deliberately-flawed/5427768</a><br /><br /><a href="http://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/ppt/2014/07_01_14_measles_ppt.pdf">http://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/ppt/2014/07_01_14_measles_ppt.pdf</a>&nbsp;[PDF]<br /><br /><a href="http://science.naturalnews.com/vaccines.html">http://science.naturalnews.com/vaccines.html</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/048534_failed_vaccines_infographic_circular_logic.html">http://www.naturalnews.com/048534_failed_vaccines_infographic_circular_logic.html</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/048519_vaccines_measles_virus_shedding.html">http://www.naturalnews.com/048519_vaccines_measles_virus_shedding.html</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/?a_aid=547109ca452f1&amp;a_bid=5d508c86" target=""><img alt="Global Healing Center" src="http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/pap/accounts/default1/banners/GHC2_468x601.jpg" height="60" title="Global Healing Center" width="468" /></a><img alt="" src="http://globalhealingcenter.com/pap/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=547109ca452f1&amp;a_bid=5d508c86" height="1" style="border: 0;" width="1" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">*Editors note: Vaccination is an extremely polarized (and emotionally charged) topic for many. However, this is not a forum for attack and name calling. Before posting a comment, please consider whether it is constructive and void of aggression. Thank you.</span></b></div></div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/-NaturalNews-vaccines-measles-virus-shedding.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-2679246234045918528Fri, 06 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-07T07:46:32.014-07:00Deadly new pertussis strain linked with whooping cough vaccine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jRQ2ZEXMU2I/Usp9BZmfOCI/AAAAAAAAHgY/Ay_f3IJSGHE/s1600/hypodermic-needle-13280952791fr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jRQ2ZEXMU2I/Usp9BZmfOCI/AAAAAAAAHgY/Ay_f3IJSGHE/s1600/hypodermic-needle-13280952791fr.jpg" height="372" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Whooping cough (pertussis) has reached epidemic levels in the U.S. -- the highest in five decades. Considering a majority of those who contract the disease are vaccinated, the absurdity of the call for increased pertussis vaccinations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is yet another example of our broken medical system. Even more disturbing, scientists now suspect that vaccines are actually causing this upsurge in whooping cough -- contributing to mutations of the original bacterium into more virulent forms.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b>The nature of pertussis</b><br /><br />Whooping cough is an extremely contagious disease of the lung that can be contracted at any age, but is especially dangerous for children. It begins with congestion similar to a cold, lasting up to 10 days. A severe cough then sets in with a 'whooping' sound accompanying the intake of breath. Recovery can take several months, depending on the constitution of the individual. Babies and small children have the highest death rate due to complications that arise from the disease.<br /><br /><b>Bacterium mutation linked with whooping cough vaccine</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062080644/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0062080644&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=52JM37SVYZCT5AKT" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=0062080644&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0062080644" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> The CDC would like to keep the American population ignorant about this startling fact: Our current pertussis epidemic is caused by a deadly new strain of Bordetella pertussis bacterium (ptxP3) and its emergence is directly connected to the whooping cough vaccine.<br /><br />According to the article, Whooping Cough Epidemic Caused by Virulent New Pertussis Strain -- And it's the Result of Vaccine, research by Frits R. Mooi ,offers a theory about the recent increase of pertussis:<br /><br />"The Mooi report focuses on the virulence of the new whooping cough strain and makes a direct association with the vaccine. It points out that the strain was first isolated in the United States in 1984, and that the virulent ptxP3 strains have been replacing the vaccines' ptxP1 strains. They also note that the greater prevalence of whooping cough in older age groups (that is, adolescents and adults) is directly related to the new ptxP3 strains."<br /><br />This may explain why whooping cough rates are sky high in those who have been vaccinated -- bacteria are adapting to the vaccine and mutating, much like antibiotic resistant superbugs, becoming more pronounced and lethal. The dangers of this new mutation include a 10-fold increase of illness and death.<br /><br />The research paper <i>Bordetella pertussis Strains with Increased Toxin Production Associated with Pertussis Resurgence</i>, found on the CDC website, states the following:<br /><br />"In this period [1989 -2004], ptxP1 [original pertussis bacterium] was gradually replaced by ptxP3, which increased in frequency from 0% in 1989 to 100% in 2004."<br /><br />"The persistence of pertussis in the face of intense vaccination is unexpected because B. pertussis is extremely homogeneous, implying a limited ability to adapt. However, the Ptx promoter showed a relatively high degree of polymorphism..."<br /><br />"...ptxP3 strains were not found in the pre-vaccination era."<br /><br />"Vaccination against two avian viruses, the Marek disease virus, and the infectious bursal disease virus, were associated with the emergence of more virulent strains."<br /><br />"Based on mathematical modeling, vaccines designed to reduce pathogen growth rate and/or toxicity may result in the evolution of pathogens with higher levels of virulence."<br /><br /><b>CDC solution -- Increase vaccinations</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451694970/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1451694970&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=QMD2Y6NLN5TI7J5H" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1451694970&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a>Even though the CDC is aware of the link between vaccination and a new super-strain pertussis bacterium, <img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1451694970" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> their 'solution' for the epidemic is to increase vaccine use. True to form, the mainstream medical establishment actually perpetuates whooping cough through their harmful, propaganda-riddled recommendations. In the end, the pertussis vaccine could land unsuspecting individuals with the very disease they are attempting to avoid.<br /><br />Learn more: <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/038111_pertussis_whooping_cough_vaccine.html"><span style="color: #b45f06;">www.naturalnews.com/038111_pertussis_whooping_cough_vaccine.html</span></a><br /><br /><b>Sources for this article include:</b><br /><br />"Whooping Cough Epidemic Caused by Virulent New Pertussis Strain - And It's the Result of Vaccine" Gaia Health. Retrieved on November 19, 2012 from: <a href="http://gaia-health.com/">http://gaia-health.com</a><br /><br />"Bordetella pertussis Strains with Increased Toxin Production Associated with Pertussis Resurgence" Frits R. Mooi , Inge H.M. van Loo, Marjolein van Gent, Qiushui He, Marieke J. Bart, Kees J. Heuvelman, Sabine C. de Greeff, Dimitri Diavatopoulos, Peter Teunis, Nico Nagelkerke, and Jussi Mertsola, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved on November 19, 2012 from: <a href="http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/15/8/08-1511_article.htm">http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/15/8/08-1511_article.htm</a><br /><br />"Has the DTaP vaccine caused the increase in whooping cough?" Smartvax. Retrieved on November 19, 2012 from: <a href="http://www.smartvax.com/">http://www.smartvax.com</a><br /><br />"Whooping Cough: Worst Year For Pertussis in 5 Decades, CDC Says" Mike Stobbe, July 19, 2012. Retrieved on November 19, 2012 from: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/">http://www.huffingtonpost.com</a><br /><br />Pertussis: Summary of Vaccine Recommendations. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved on November 19, 2012 from: <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pertussis/recs-summary.htm">http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pertussis/recs-summary.htm</a><br /><br />"Whooping Cough Outbreaks in Vaccinated Children Become More and More Frequent" Heidi Stevenson, Gaia Health, June 27, 2011. Retrieved on November 19, 2012 from: <a href="http://www.gaia-health.com/">http://www.gaia-health.com</a><br /><br /><b>About the author</b><br /><br /><strong data-iceapc="42" data-iceapw="436" style="border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: Lato, sans-serif, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em data-iceapc="36" data-iceapw="436"><span data-iceapw="6"></span></em></strong><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YzZsXdSttBU/VM_sjoCkaiI/AAAAAAAAKEA/zZkzc4stOOE/s1600/Profile%2BPic%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YzZsXdSttBU/VM_sjoCkaiI/AAAAAAAAKEA/zZkzc4stOOE/s1600/Profile%2BPic%2B2015.jpg" height="200" width="144" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist and wellness coach, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through&nbsp;<span style="color: #b45f06;">ThriveLiving&nbsp;</span>she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Follow on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thrive-Living/499578863433146"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Facebook</span></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Connect via</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thriveliving/"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Pinterest</span></a>&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Find at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.goo.gl/cEZiyR"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Google+</span></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and<span style="color: #b45f06;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/Thrive_Living"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Twitter</span></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Read her other articles on Natural News&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/Author1183.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">here</span></a><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">.</span><br /><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">*Editors note: Vaccination is an extremely polarized (and emotionally charged) topic for many. However, this is not a forum for attack and name calling. Before posting a comment, please consider whether it is constructive and void of aggression. Thank you.</span></b></div></div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/-natural-news-pertussis-whooping-cough-vaccine.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-1499013822091493828Thu, 05 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-05T00:30:03.641-07:00animal welfareChipotle restaurant chaingestation cratespigsporkLet's thank Chipotle restaurant for “pulling" pulled pork from 600 Locations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOdKL0UZv7c/VM_3q7c21_I/AAAAAAAAKEk/ZGUgbHqikG8/s1600/Farmtastic!!_(5170581480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOdKL0UZv7c/VM_3q7c21_I/AAAAAAAAKEk/ZGUgbHqikG8/s1600/Farmtastic!!_(5170581480).jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>(<a href="http://eatlocalgrown.com/article/13893-let-s-thank-chipotle-restaurant-for-pulling-pulled-pork-from-600-locations.html?c=tca" target="_blank">Eat Local Grown</a>) <i>The Mercury News</i> reported today that Chipotle Mexican Grill stopped serving pork at hundreds of its restaurants after suspending a supplier that violated its standards.<br /><br />Chris Arnold, a spokesman for the Mexican food chain, told the Associated Press it's the first time the company stopped serving a topping for its burritos and bowls. He said Chipotle learned of the violation by the supplier on Friday through a routine audit, and did not have a timeline for when carnitas would return to affected stores, about a third of its total base.<br /><br />"It's hard to say how long it will last," he said.<br /><br />In New York City on Tuesday, a sign on the door of a Chipotle location stated, "SORRY, NO CARNITAS."<br /><br />After an audit showed a supplier was not complying with the chain's standards concerning animal welfare, the fast-casual burrito specialist has stopped selling carnitas at one-third of its locations.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b><br /></b><b>Chipotle's Success Based On Sustainability Standards</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594867925/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1594867925&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=UY6MBQKTUHYKHTUG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1594867925&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1594867925" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <i>Time</i> reports that one reason Chipotle has been at the forefront of the red-hot fast-casual restaurant movement is the company’s stances on sustainability and animal welfare. In the case of pork—used in its braised carnitas, one of the key ingredients in burritos, bowls, and salads—Chipotle insists on doing business only with “farmers whose pigs are raised outside or in deeply bedded pens, are never given antibiotics and are fed a vegetarian diet.”<br /><br />“We could fill that shortfall with conventionally raised pork, but the animal welfare standards fall well short of our requirements, and (we) simply aren’t willing to make that compromise,” Chipotle communications director Chris Arnold explained, according to <i>Reuters</i>.<br /><br /><b>Pig Crates Are A Horrible Way To Live</b><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0199747512/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0199747512&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=WJZT3WHZUXZ3KUWS" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=0199747512&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0199747512" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <b><br /></b>The Humane Society reports that pigs are one of the smartest animals on Earth. Highly social, intelligent, and curious, they engage in complex tasks, form elaborate, cooperative social groups and feel fear, pain, and stress. Studies show that they are more intelligent than dogs and even some primates, and scientists have demonstrated that pigs are capable of playing simple video games, learning from each other, and even learning names.<br /><br />Most breeding pigs in the U.S. are confined in "gestation crates" for virtually their entire lives. For several years, they're confined to crates that nearly immobilize them, enduring a cycle of repeated impregnation. These individual cages are approximately 2 feet wide—so small the animals can't even turn around or take more than a step forward or backward.<br /><br />It's difficult to imagine an existence worse than lifelong confinement in a space so small you can't even turn around.<br /><br />Chipotle, Whole Foods, Wolfgang Puck, and others only use gestation crate-free pork.<br /><br /><b>Public Opinion Counts</b><br /><br />An American Farm Bureau poll found that 95 percent of Americans believe farm animals should be well-cared for. The same poll found that most Americans don't consider gestation crate confinement to be humane.<br /><br />And a Michigan State University study found that 60 percent or more of respondents in every state would support outlawing gestation crates.<br /><br />Additionally, every time people have been asked to vote on legislation that would outlaw gestation crates, they've overwhelmingly voted to ban them, including in Florida, Arizona, and California.<br /><br />Sources: <a href="http://humanesociety.org/">humanesociety.org</a>, <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_27314231/chipotle-carnitas-shortage-no-pork-at-third-restaurants">mercurynews.com</a>, <a href="http://time.com/money/3667333/chipotle-pork-carnitas-shortage/">time.com</a><br /><br />Original article published at&nbsp;<a href="http://eatlocalgrown.com/article/13893-let-s-thank-chipotle-restaurant-for-pulling-pulled-pork-from-600-locations.html?c=tca" target="_blank">Eat Local Grown</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AFarmtastic!!_(5170581480).jpg"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Photo credit</span></a></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/lets-thank-chipotle-restaurant-for-pulling-pulled-pork.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-4571717152131393130Wed, 04 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-04T00:30:01.405-07:00germinated brown ricehealthimproved nutritionnutritionnutritional dietThe happy grain: how germinated brown rice can improve mental and physical well-being<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5A2Of-k7zIE/VM_0DPgpyrI/AAAAAAAAKEY/Ds5sIaSfLa0/s1600/640px-%E0%B4%B5%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%A4%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%A4%E0%B5%8D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5A2Of-k7zIE/VM_0DPgpyrI/AAAAAAAAKEY/Ds5sIaSfLa0/s1600/640px-%E0%B4%B5%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%A4%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%A4%E0%B5%8D.JPG" height="528" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Sprouted brown rice has a long tradition in Asia as a nutritious staple of the diet yet is just now becoming known in the West. During the germination of brown rice, important nutrients are enhanced along with many health supporting benefits.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LD62C88/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00LD62C88&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=RHOIICKEWPMKVBM6" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00LD62C88&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00LD62C88" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Throughout the world, grains have historically been either soaked, sprouted, or fermented to improve digestibility. Traditionally, grains have been stored in the open air and exposed to the elements which naturally encouraged germination. With the introduction of industrial farming and storage, this vital step of sprouting has been eliminated, thus creating a very different food from that of our ancestors. Consuming unsprouted grains can lead to digestive difficulties, inflammation, allergic reactions, and poor absorption of nutrients. Through the process of germination, phytic acid is neutralized while improving the nutritional content and digestibility.<br /><br />Sprouted brown rice is of particular interest since it is an incredible source of nutrients and is easy to digest. With germination, vitamin E, lysine and magnesium, along with vitamins B6 and B12, are increased substantially. Bio-available forms of protein and fiber also are heightened. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant while the amino acid L- lysine is anti-inflammatory and helps in collagen formation. Magnesium is beneficial for calcium absorption and helps maintain healthy bodily nerves and muscles. B vitamins ease stress and anxiety, calm PMS symptoms, and support cardiovascular health.<br /><br />Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels are increased ten-fold during the germination process of brown rice. GABA encourages emotional and mental well-being. This has positive implications for those suffering from nervous disorders such as depression, insomnia and anxiety, as well as seizures.<br /><br />As stated by Michael T. Murray, ND:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Research has shown that GABA increases the production of alpha brain waves (a state often achieved by meditation, characterized by being relaxed with greater mental focus and mental alertness) and reduces beta waves (associated with nervousness, scattered thoughts, and hyperactivity)."</blockquote><br />GABA from natural sources is the key as synthetic forms were found to be ineffective in several studies.<br /><br />Sprouting is easy to do. Use only short, medium grain brown rice or brown basmati. Wehani rice is also a good choice. Do not use white or wild rice as they will not germinate.<br /><br /><br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Soak rice with plenty of water for 12-18 hours.</li><li>Drain rice and pour into a mesh strainer. Rinse well.</li><li>Place strainer over a bowl, cover with a damp, clean dishtowel, and let sit out of direct sunlight.</li><li>Rinse well every 12 hours.</li><li>Between 24 and 48 hours, small sprouts will appear. Use within a week and refrigerate any unused sprouts.</li><li>Cook as one would regular rice with slightly less water (2 cups water for every 1 1/2 cups sprouted rice).</li></ol><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MAKVLQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B000MAKVLQ&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=SXG55PBUPEUL5CY7" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B000MAKVLQ&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a>Germinated brown rice can also be purchased at health food stores and natural grocers. There is even a rice<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000MAKVLQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> cooker with a 'GABA' feature that will automatically sprout the rice before cooking.<br /><br />Whether store bought or made at home, enrich your life with germinated brown rice. As a powerful ally to vitality, this versatile grain encourages a healthy body, clear mind, and emotional balance.<br /><br />Learn more: <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/031148_brown_rice_nutrition.html"><span style="color: #b45f06;">www.naturalnews.com/031148_brown_rice_nutrition.html</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3A%E0%B4%B5%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%A4%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%A4%E0%B5%8D.JPG" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Photo Credit</span></a><br /><br /><b>About the author</b><br /><br /><strong data-iceapc="42" data-iceapw="436" style="border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: Lato, sans-serif, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em data-iceapc="36" data-iceapw="436"><span data-iceapw="6"></span></em></strong><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpNpk2M8S8E/VM_wrr7gP8I/AAAAAAAAKEM/eyVUfVGCxuM/s1600/Profile%2BPic%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpNpk2M8S8E/VM_wrr7gP8I/AAAAAAAAKEM/eyVUfVGCxuM/s1600/Profile%2BPic%2B2015.jpg" height="200" width="144" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, natural foods chef and wellness coach, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through&nbsp;<span style="color: #b45f06;">ThriveLiving&nbsp;</span>she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Follow on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thrive-Living/499578863433146"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Facebook</span></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Connect via</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thriveliving/"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Pinterest</span></a>&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Find at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.goo.gl/cEZiyR"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Google+</span></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/Thrive_Living"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Twitter</span></a></span><br /><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #555555; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #555555; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Read her other articles on Natural News&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/Author1183.html" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">here</span></a><span style="color: #555555; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">.</span></span></div></div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/-natural-news-germinated-brown-rice-nutrition.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-2117173742607084683Tue, 03 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-03T00:30:00.464-07:00environmentenvironmental pollutantsrecyclingsustainabilitytrashzero wasteThis "zero-waste" supermarket got rid of all food packaging<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1z3nH_2NhCE/VM_q0zILK-I/AAAAAAAAKD0/dTCxbCkktZI/s1600/original-unverpackt_-jendrik-schroeder_-foto6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1z3nH_2NhCE/VM_q0zILK-I/AAAAAAAAKD0/dTCxbCkktZI/s1600/original-unverpackt_-jendrik-schroeder_-foto6.jpg" height="288" width="640" /></a></div><br />(<a href="http://www.salon.com/2014/09/17/this_zero_waste_supermarket_got_rid_of_all_food_packaging/" target="_blank">Salon</a>) Forget plastic bag bans. Berlin is now home to a supermarket that’s gotten rid of all disposable packaging. Original Unverpackt (“Original Unpackaged”), which opened Saturday, is more of a shop, to be exact, but its 350-some products — including from fruits, vegetables, dry grains and pourable liquids like yogurt, lotion and shampoo — are dispensed into refillable containers. (Some liquids come in bottles with deposits on them, which is already standard in Germany).<br /><a name='more'></a><br />The shop, backed by crowdfunding, is a creative experiment in a new kind of shopping, one that takes the ethics of stores like Whole Foods to a new level. It sells mostly organic products, each of which is labeled with its country of origin, and eschews brand names. Sara Wolf and Milena Glimbovski, the duo behind the project, were driven by the slogan “Let’s be real, try something impossible.”<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0984087311/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0984087311&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=Z6HISRUNSFMGERV2" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=0984087311&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0984087311" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />It remains to be seen if the store’s scalable — and whether it will catch on with the public. One ”group of Germans” interviewed by NPR Berlin complained that the store “looks too pretty and nice, and too bourgeois;” CityLab characterized such sentiments as reflecting a sense that “living a supposedly pared-down, less wasteful life is essentially a lifestyle hobby for people with enough spare cash to play at green dress-up.” But while many of the products offered, perhaps because they’re organic, tend to skew toward the pricier end of things, others are equivalent or cheaper than standard supermarket fare, one German newspaper reports. And a virtue of the fill-your-own-container model is that customers can purchase ingredients in exact amounts, meaning they don’t have to overspend for food they don’t need.<br /><br /><br />The environmental benefits of that model are not to be discounted, of course. Up to a third of the world’s food is wasted, and in developed nations, much of that waste occurs when people bring home more than they’re able to eat before it goes bad. If people are only selecting what they need, they’re less likely to throw excess food out later. In the U.S., food packaging is credited with keeping the food supply incredibly safe and extending its shelf life, which helps address the food waste problem, but it’s also a major source of waste in and of itself, constituting about a third of our municipal solid waste. Packaging also comes with safety issues of its own, stemming from the potential for chemicals to leach into food. Original Unverpackt’s strategy, which complies with Germany’s strict sanitation rules, is to require all containers brought into the store to be disinfected on-site.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0738215287/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0738215287&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=P6GW33JXQAMNZIG6" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=0738215287&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a>If nothing else, the shop presents a thought-provoking model for consumption that recalls the<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0738215287" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> store, opened by ex-Trader Joe’s president Doug Rauch, that deals exclusively in expired foods. As Jonathan Bloom, whose explored food waste in the book “American Wasteland,” commented to Salon of that venture, “we are well overdue for some new ideas.”<br /><br /><b>About the author:</b><br /><br />Lindsay Abrams is a staff writer at Salon, reporting on all things sustainable. Follow her on Twitter @readingirl, email labrams@salon.com.<br /><br />Original article published at<span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="http://www.salon.com/2014/09/17/this_zero_waste_supermarket_got_rid_of_all_food_packaging/" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #b45f06;">Salon.com&nbsp;</span></a></span><br /><br />Photo Credit: <a href="http://original-unverpackt.de/supermarkt/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Original Unverpackt</span></a><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px;">Help support this site by making your Amazon purchases through the following affiliate links. Same great deals. NO COST to you. Thank you!</span></blockquote><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1607743485/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1607743485&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=Q5M2KWHFLCBECRBZ"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1607743485&amp;Format=_SL110_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1607743485" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0067MH5RG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B0067MH5RG&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=QXXRFZPBWL22RXEC"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B0067MH5RG&amp;Format=_SL110_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0067MH5RG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UXQ7QQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B002UXQ7QQ&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=5D4NXEFBDKUFEUHA"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B002UXQ7QQ&amp;Format=_SL110_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B002UXQ7QQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00701ROB0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00701ROB0&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=5FZGDO6CT67SGUFO"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00701ROB0&amp;Format=_SL110_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00701ROB0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603584897/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1603584897&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=WFIJMVBOEGBPBZWT"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1603584897&amp;Format=_SL110_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1603584897" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/-zero-waste-supermarket-sustainability-recycling.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650468754883908280.post-3695421565350542690Mon, 02 Feb 2015 07:30:00 +00002015-02-02T00:30:00.676-07:00cancercancer preventionfermentationfermented foodsnatural healthprobioticsReduce the risk of cancer with probiotics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-elvM0BGLhkE/VEa2FD7ew0I/AAAAAAAAJtU/luwKbfkoMZo/s1600/686px-Cacik-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-elvM0BGLhkE/VEa2FD7ew0I/AAAAAAAAJtU/luwKbfkoMZo/s1600/686px-Cacik-1.jpg" height="376" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Considered a nutritional buzzword among the health-conscious crowd, probiotics are well-known as an important addition to the diet for maintaining digestive balance. And now, researches have discovered these micro-organisms are much more powerful than previously thought by playing a substantial role in discouraging, and also healing, cancer.<br /><br /><b>Probiotics and health</b><br /><br />Present in a wide array of foods like yogurt, cheese, miso, fermented vegetables and pickles, as well as in supplemental form, probiotics are the guardians of health on several levels. Not only do these live microbes populate the gut with beneficial bacteria and off-set problematic pathogens, but also work in tandem with the immune system, giving it a substantial boost. Probiotics reduce inflammation, soothe depression and calm stress response too. But researchers are especially enthusiastic about the latest application for these microscopic beasts: cancer prevention and treatment.<br /><br /><b>Beneficial bacteria and the anticancer connection</b><br /><br />A commentary published in the <i>International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition </i>explores the part probiotics play in reducing the risk of cancer:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Consumption of fermented dairy products with LAB [lactic acid bacteria] may elicit anti-tumor effects. These effects are attributed to the inhibition of mutagenic activity, the decrease in several enzymes implicated in the generation of carcinogens, mutagens, or tumor-promoting agents, suppression of tumors, and epidemiology correlating dietary regimes and cancer. ... Studies on the effect of probiotic consumption on cancer appear promising, since recent in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that probiotic bacteria might reduce the risk, incidence and number of tumors of the colon, liver and bladder."</blockquote><br />Moreover, research in the <i>American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</i> states that "[i]ngestion of viable probiotics or prebiotics is associated with anti-carcinogenic effects, one mechanism of which is the detoxification of genotoxins in the gut. This mechanism was shown experimentally in animals with use of the rat colon carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and by determining endpoints that range from tumorigenesis to induction of DNA damage."<br /><br />Additionally, when prebiotics (found in foods like Jerusalem artichokes, chicory, root vegetables, asparagus, jicama and leeks) are ingested along with probiotics, the result is a reduced load of genotoxic agents and increased production of protective elements like butyrate -- a short-chain fatty acid that guards against colon cancer.<br /><br />Lastly, keep in mind the following points made by Vanessa Wada, MS, RD, of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Probiotic-containing foods are fairly common in Japan and Europe but are slowly making their way in the United States. There is potential for these microbial creatures in cancer prevention, but further research needs to be conducted. Understanding the use of probiotics as a part of the whole food vs. the isolated product, obtaining a more thorough knowledge of its mechanism in the gut, and identifying the particular strains that have the largest beneficial impact in promoting health will be areas of future research and interest. And as long as these studies continue to provide positive outcomes, incorporating probiotics into the diet is a safe, easy, and cheap way to protect oneself from disease."</blockquote><br />Learn more:<span style="color: #b45f06;"> <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/045410_probiotics_cancer_prevention_fermented_foods.html">www.naturalnews.com/045410_probiotics_cancer_prevention_fermented_foods.html</a></span><br /><br /><strong data-iceapc="42" data-iceapw="436" style="border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: Lato, sans-serif, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em data-iceapc="36" data-iceapw="436"><span data-iceapw="6"></span></em></strong><br /><div><b>About the author</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ch7PVkNt_tU/VLrO_uKnd7I/AAAAAAAAKCQ/f_-0IueZ-UA/s1600/Profile%2BPic%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ch7PVkNt_tU/VLrO_uKnd7I/AAAAAAAAKCQ/f_-0IueZ-UA/s1600/Profile%2BPic%2B2015.jpg" height="200" width="144" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, natural foods chef and wellness coach, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through&nbsp;<span style="color: #b45f06;">ThriveLiving&nbsp;</span>she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Follow on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thrive-Living/499578863433146"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Facebook</span></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Connect via</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thriveliving/"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Pinterest</span></a>&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Find at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.goo.gl/cEZiyR"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Google+</span></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/Thrive_Living"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Twitter</span></a></span><br /><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Read her other articles on Natural News&nbsp;<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/Author1183.html"><span style="color: #b45f06;">here</span></a>.</span></div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px;">Help support this site by making your Amazon purchases through the following affiliate links. Same great deals. NO COST to you. Thank you!</span></blockquote><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005IO17PK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B005IO17PK&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=DAGRGIUB52A5TDRA"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B005IO17PK&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B005IO17PK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/160358286X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=160358286X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=7A2CNKBRF2WULVNA"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=160358286X&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=160358286X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MW97ERY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00MW97ERY&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=thrive040-20&amp;linkId=SAOB6HM7EXJJHEYZ"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00MW97ERY&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=thrive040-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thrive040-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00MW97ERY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div></div>http://www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/-natural-news-probiotics-cancer-prevention-fermented-foods.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Carolanne Wright)0